ATHENS — The Ministry of Health officially launched the new, free four-digit health hotline “1566” during a press conference on Monday. The line will begin operating on Tuesday, July 15, and aims to provide citizens with centralized, high-quality information and support services for a wide range of healthcare needs.

Presenting the initiative were Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis, Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis, Deputy Ministers of Health Irini Agapidaki and Marios Themistocleous, along with General Secretary of Health Services Lillian Vildiridis and General Secretary of Strategic Planning Aris Angelis.

One Number for All Health Services

The “1566” hotline, funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Fund, is designed as a one-stop solution to help citizens navigate Greece’s public healthcare system. In its initial phase, it will allow users to:

• Book appointments at all Primary Health Care centers
• Schedule visits with EOPYY-affiliated and personal doctors
• Access public mental health services
• Receive information on vaccinations, preventive diagnostics, and public health campaigns

From September 2025, the hotline will expand to include NHS hospital services, information on pharmacy operations, high-cost drug deliveries, and more. Eventually, it will also include updates on Local and Mobile Health Teams (TOMY & KMY).

Georgiadis: “A New Era of Health Access Begins”

Minister Adonis Georgiadis emphasized the government’s commitment to streamlining healthcare for citizens:

“Starting tomorrow, 1566 will be available to all citizens for anything related to health services in Greece. This is a powerful new tool, developed in just a few months, thanks to extraordinary collaboration across ministries. It will evolve in phases, but it already represents a huge step forward in making healthcare more accessible, transparent, and efficient.”

He also announced that the first 2,312 SMS messages had already been sent to discharged patients for the official rollout of hospital performance evaluations, which began today.

Papathanasis: “1566 Will Transform the NHS”

Deputy Finance Minister Nikos Papathanasis hailed the hotline as one of 51 health projects worth €2.35 billion financed by the Recovery Fund:

“1566 is not just a helpline — it’s a leap toward a more equitable healthcare system. It simplifies access, improves transparency, and ensures that no citizen is left behind.”

Agapidaki & Themistocleous: Simpler, Faster, Fairer

Deputy Minister Irini Agapidaki pointed out the hotline’s efficiency in saving time, cost, and stress for citizens. She underscored the government’s broader investment in health — 14% of the Recovery Fund — as a reflection of its public service priorities.

Deputy Minister Marios Themistocleous added:

“A better NHS is one that’s accessible to everyone. 1566 will unify scattered services into one friendly, fast and responsive channel — available to all.”

How It Works

According to technical advisors, the system is designed to minimize wait times:

• Average wait time: Under 20 seconds after the recorded prompt
• Call capacity: Around 10,000 daily calls
• Interactive voice menu: Guides callers to the correct department based on their needs

What About Data Privacy?

In response to press questions, Minister Georgiadis emphasized:

“No personal data is stored or managed by 1566. Calls are logged only for statistical purposes — such as the type and frequency of inquiries — not personal identities. We fully respect data privacy regulations.”

What Happens to Complaints?

The system is initially being launched as a complaint recording mechanism. Starting in September, 1566 will evolve into an active complaint resolution tool, intervening directly with hospitals when possible and escalating issues to administrative levels when necessary.

“We’re creating a feedback loop,” Georgiadis explained. “Citizens report, 1566 tracks the issue, and we follow up until it’s resolved.”

What’s Next?

As the service gains public traction and operational maturity — much like the Ministry of Labor’s successful 1535 line — officials expect broader usage and faster systemic improvements.

Georgiadis concluded:

“This isn’t just a helpline. It’s the beginning of a smarter, more responsive healthcare state — and it’s only the beginning.”