A new, state-of-the-art hospital in Karpathos, Greece ensures the island’s 6 500 citizens have ready access to quality healthcare.
Karpathos, Greece benefits from new, state-of-the-art hospital
- 18 September 2019
The operation of the Karpathos Hospital is probably the most important development project that has taken place on the island. It makes the island an attractive touristic destination and creates the conditions for improving the quality of life for both residents and visitors
For years, the island has lacked access to quality healthcare services. Even for minor surgeries or primary care exams, locals had to travel to neighbouring Rhodes, or even Athens, for treatment.
Now, thanks in part to EU-funding, the citizens of Karpathos can access quality healthcare services without leaving their island. The new 3 013 m2 General Hospital of Karpathos has a 30-bed capacity and offers a range of medical specialties not currently covered by the island’s health centre. It not only represents an exponential improvement in health services, it also ensures equal access to quality healthcare for all citizens, thus improving quality of life of everyone.
Comprehensive services
The ground floor of the two-story building houses the public and auxiliary services, pharmacy, staff area, and electromechanical equipment. A side wing is where patients go for examinations, lab work and emergency services. Patient rooms are located on the first floor, which is also where the doctors’ department and administrative offices are located.
The construction of the hospital began within the financial framework of the previous operational programme. It was then transferred to the new programme and given the funding to complete the project.
Improving health and wellbeing
The hospital has been serving the citizens of Karpathos since November 2018. Already, it has contributed to improving the health of the island’s inhabitants. The island now benefits from a well-developed primary care system, faster health services, and affordable access to a number of specialisations, including an artificial kidney unit. Having such services on the island gives citizens a sense of security and helps reduce the number of people that relocate to more urban centres. In addition, the hospital is contributing to the island’s economic rejuvenation by creating a number of jobs.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Karpathos General Hospital” is EUR 6 605 783, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 3 302 891 through the “South Aegean” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Justice and Fundamental Rights”.