Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of regional healthcare during his visit to Magnesia, stating that “when citizens in the regions have access to quality health services, they are more likely to remain in their hometowns.”

Visit to the Renovated Velestino Health Center

Accompanied by Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis and Deputy Minister Irini Agapidaki, Prime Minister Mitsotakis visited the fully renovated Velestino Health Center on Thursday morning. This center was modernized for the first time since the 1980s using Recovery Fund resources.

During the tour, the Prime Minister spoke with medical staff and praised the project’s swift completion. “The residents know better than I do the condition this center was in a year ago. Today, they have access to a health center that is a true gem, with state-of-the-art equipment and all positions filled or in the process of being filled,” he said.

He highlighted that this project is one of 160 health centers being upgraded across Greece. “It’s a clear sign of our government’s commitment to healthcare, especially in primary care,” Mitsotakis added.

He also stressed the importance of the “Prolampo” preventive health program, which has received growing public participation. “We must prevent illness before it appears, and this is best achieved through proactive screenings.”

The Link Between Quality Healthcare and Regional Development

Mitsotakis pointed out that improving primary healthcare in rural areas can help combat Greece’s demographic challenges. “When people feel they have access to good healthcare, it becomes easier for them to stay in — or even return to — their hometowns, rather than migrate to big cities.”

He concluded his visit to the center by thanking everyone involved and added, “Let’s hope we won’t need to use it often, but it’s here for a reason — to serve the public.”

Support for Agricultural Cooperatives

Earlier, Mitsotakis visited the Agricultural Wine Cooperative of Nea Anchialos “Dimitra,” where he praised the cooperative’s 107-year legacy and their recovery efforts following natural disasters.

Accompanied by Thessaly Regional Governor Dimitris Kouretas, he toured the wine and tsipouro distilleries and inspected the restored facilities, supported through state aid. Deputy Agriculture Minister Dionysis Stamenitis briefed him on the government’s support measures.

“The government believes that cooperatives are the future of Greece’s agricultural sector,” said Mitsotakis. “After the disaster two years ago, it was our duty to stand by the affected communities, and I’m pleased to see this cooperative thriving again.”

Inspection of Infrastructure Restoration Works

The Prime Minister also visited infrastructure projects related to damage caused by extreme weather events Daniel and Elias. He observed ongoing work on roads and streams carried out by TERNA, part of Thessaly’s regional restoration program. He was briefed on progress and deadlines.

Visit to the Ancient Temple of Thaulios Zeus

To conclude his visit, Mitsotakis toured the ancient temple of Thaulios Zeus, where archaeologists guided him through the site’s recent findings.