Skip to main content

National Telemedicine Network Expands Access to Public Healthcare Across Northern Greece: No Citizen Left Behind, Anywhere in the Country

 

With the shared objective of ensuring equitable access to healthcare for every citizen, the National Telemedicine Network (EDIT) Information Day was successfully held on Tuesday, 23 June 2026. The event reaffirmed the pivotal role of digital health in the transformation of Greece’s National Health System (NHS) and brought together representatives of government, Regional Health Authorities, the medical and academic community, and the project’s technology partners.

The conference was attended by Christina Maria Kravvari, Secretary General for Public Health, representatives of Information Society S.A., members of the NOVA–SPACE HELLAS Consortium, Dr Panagiotis Bogiatzidis, Governor of the 4th Regional Health Authority of Macedonia and Thrace, Mr Nektarios Papavasileiou, Governor of the 7th Regional Health Authority of Crete, and Mr Michalis Koupkas, Deputy Governor of the 3rd Regional Health Authority of Macedonia.

The event showcased the tangible progress already achieved across the 3rd, 4th and 7th Regional Health Authorities, where the project is delivering measurable benefits to local communities. A total of 121 Doctor-to-Patient Telemedicine Stations, 12 Doctor-to-Doctor Telemedicine Stations, and 1,100 Home Monitoring Systems are being deployed across these regions. These figures represent far more than infrastructure. They translate into timely, high quality medical care for elderly citizens, families, and people living in remote and geographically isolated areas.

The National Telemedicine Network is reducing unnecessary and costly patient travel to major urban hospitals, easing pressure on the National Health System, and strengthening Primary Health Care throughout the country. Teleconsultation, telepsychiatry, remote patient monitoring and continuous distance education for healthcare professionals form the foundation of a modern healthcare ecosystem where advanced technology directly serves patient care.

The Network continues to expand nationwide through the deployment of 305 Doctor-to-Patient Telemedicine Stations, 35 Doctor-to-Doctor Telemedicine Stations, 3,000 Home Monitoring Systems, five Training Centres, and three Operational Support Centres, creating a comprehensive, patient centred digital healthcare ecosystem designed to improve access to quality healthcare services across Greece.

The National Telemedicine Network is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence. It is being implemented by Information Society S.A., funded through the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), with the NOVA–SPACE HELLAS Consortium serving as the project’s prime contractor.

Secretary General for Public Health Christina Maria Kravvari stated:

“The National Telemedicine Network is one of the most important digital transformation initiatives currently being implemented in the healthcare sector. It strengthens Primary Health Care, enhances the capabilities of Greece’s National Health System and ensures that specialised clinical expertise can be made available to every local community.

This is an investment in the cohesion and interoperability of the healthcare system itself. It strengthens connections across different levels of care, facilitates continuous patient monitoring and enables knowledge and expertise to be utilised wherever they are needed most. At the same time, it provides healthcare professionals with stronger clinical support and contributes to faster, better informed medical decision making for the benefit of citizens.

Telemedicine is no longer the future of healthcare. It is already the present of a healthcare system that overcomes geographical barriers, makes more effective use of its resources and brings healthcare services closer to every citizen. This represents a significant step towards a National Health System with stronger continuity of care, greater integration of services and broader opportunities for all.”

Kyriakos Kassis, IT Project Manager and representative of Information Society S.A., commented:

“The implementation of the National Telemedicine Network represents one of Greece’s most ambitious digital transformation projects, and we are making steady progress every day. At Information Society S.A., we are ensuring that every available resource from the Recovery and Resilience Facility is translated into practical healthcare solutions for Greek society. With 121 telemedicine stations already entering operation across Northern Greece and Crete, we are demonstrating that technology can and should deliver meaningful benefits to people’s everyday lives.”

Augustinos Kondylis, Senior ICT Sales Manager at NOVA, stated:

“At NOVA, we believe that technology creates real value when it improves people’s lives. The National Telemedicine Network is a project with profound social impact, harnessing digital innovation to bring high quality healthcare services closer to every citizen, regardless of where they live. Through this initiative, we are contributing to a more accessible, efficient and sustainable healthcare system that strengthens prevention, supports healthcare professionals and improves the patient experience. For us, the National Telemedicine Network represents a meaningful investment in equitable access to modern healthcare services for all.”

Athanasios Babakis, Director of the Thessaloniki Branch of Space Hellas, added:

“At Space Hellas, we take great pride in contributing to projects that help move our country forward through technology. The National Telemedicine Network is transforming healthcare in Greece and positioning it where it belongs. Its implementation clearly demonstrates that this is far more than an information technology project. It is a critical national infrastructure that brings specialised healthcare services closer to every citizen.”

The strong participation and lively discussions throughout the event demonstrated the widespread support that the initiative enjoys among local communities. The National Telemedicine Network is far more than a digital infrastructure project. It is becoming a cornerstone of a fairer, more resilient and more modern healthcare system, placing technological innovation at the service of better health outcomes and improved quality of life for every citizen across Greece.

Eirini Agapidaki: Telemedicine Significantly Strengthens Equal Access to Healthcare for All Citizens, Wherever They Live

 

The 1st Information Day for the National Telemedicine Network (EDIT) was successfully held on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, confirming the pivotal role that telemedicine is set to play in the digital transformation of Greece’s public healthcare system. The event attracted strong interest from the medical and scientific community, healthcare authorities, and technology partners involved in the implementation of the project.

Among the distinguished participants were Alternate Minister of Health Eirini Agapidaki, Secretary General for Public Health Christina Maria Kravvari, Stavros Asthenidis, Chief Executive Officer of Information Society S.A., and Stathis Kehriotis, Director of Public Sector, European Union and International Organizations Sales at OTE.

Throughout the conference, the profound social and operational value of the National Telemedicine Network was highlighted. EDIT is far more than a technological upgrade. It is a comprehensive, patient centred healthcare ecosystem designed to ensure equitable access to high quality healthcare services for every citizen, regardless of where they live, from the country’s most remote islands to its major urban centres.

Particular emphasis was placed on the Network’s ability to significantly reduce unnecessary patient travel, alleviate pressure on the National Health System, and strengthen Primary Health Care. At the same time, the project enhances the capabilities of physicians and nurses through advanced teleconsultation and distance learning services.

The conference also presented the history, mission and long term vision of EDIT, together with its technological innovations and implementation challenges. Speakers explored clinical experience from the field, European best practices, the evolving regulatory framework for telemedicine, and the future direction of digital healthcare in Greece.

Considerable attention was given to the nationwide expansion of the Network through the deployment of new Doctor to Patient and Doctor to Doctor Telemedicine Stations, home monitoring systems, training centres and operational support infrastructure. These new capabilities will significantly improve the delivery of timely and reliable healthcare services to remote and island communities.

The National Telemedicine Network is a modern, patient centred platform supporting the National Health System through teleconsultation, remote patient monitoring, telepsychiatry and continuous professional education for healthcare professionals, ultimately improving both the quality of care and equitable access to healthcare services across the country.

EDIT is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence. The project is being implemented by Information Society S.A., funded through the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), with OTE serving as the prime contractor.

Alternate Minister of Health Eirini Agapidaki stated:

“The National Telemedicine Network is a flagship project for the digital transformation of public healthcare and is already changing the way healthcare services are delivered in Greece.

Today, the Network includes 305 Doctor to Patient Telemedicine Stations and 35 Doctor to Doctor Telemedicine Stations, enabling immediate and equitable access to medical care even in the country’s most remote regions. At the same time, Mobile Health Units operated by the National Public Health Organization (EODY) and approximately 3,000 home healthcare monitoring systems are being deployed, bringing healthcare services closer to citizens than ever before.

A particularly important initiative is our collaboration with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation for the establishment of a unified operational centre at Attikon University Hospital. This centre will integrate telemedicine, Mobile Health Units and field operations, significantly strengthening operational coordination and response capacity nationwide.

This new healthcare ecosystem, of which the National Telemedicine Network is a key component, substantially enhances equitable access to healthcare services for all citizens regardless of geographical location, relieves pressure on the National Health System and fundamentally transforms the model of healthcare delivery.

This is a major reform that is already delivering measurable results and laying the foundations for a more modern, more efficient and more patient centred healthcare system.”

Stavros Asthenidis, Chief Executive Officer of Information Society S.A., commented:

“At Information Society, we are extremely proud to deliver the National Telemedicine Network because it is far more than another digital infrastructure project. It represents a meaningful step towards a fairer, more accessible and more modern healthcare system for everyone. The Network has been designed and implemented according to the highest technical and operational standards, integrating advanced digital infrastructure, interoperability and robust data security. It is being delivered fully operational and ready to support both citizens and healthcare professionals throughout Greece.”

The strong participation and constructive dialogue throughout the conference reaffirmed both the momentum and strategic importance of the initiative. The National Telemedicine Network continues to demonstrate that technology can and should have a human dimension, serving as a cornerstone of a fair, modern and digitally enabled healthcare system for every citizen across Greece.

 

Telemedicine: Larissa, the Region’s New Digital Heart of Healthcare

The 2nd Information Day for the National Telemedicine Network (EDIT) took place on Monday, 22 June 2026, focusing on the progress achieved and the future development of the project across Central and Western Greece, covering the 5th and 6th Regional Health Authorities.

The event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Health, executives of the Regional Health Authorities, physicians already using the system in their daily clinical practice, members of the academic community, and representatives of patient organizations.

The National Telemedicine Network (EDIT) is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence. The project is being implemented by the Information Society S.A., with funding from the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).

The conference was officially opened by Ms Christina Maria Kravvari, Secretary General for Public Health at the Ministry of Health, who holds institutional responsibility for the planning and oversight of public health policy at the national level. During her opening address, she stated:

“The National Telemedicine Network represents a major investment in strengthening Primary Health Care and improving citizens’ access to healthcare services. At the same time, it empowers healthcare professionals serving in regional and remote areas by enabling them to collaborate directly with specialized medical centres and provide more effective care for their patients.

The value of telemedicine is reflected in everyday life. It is reflected in the elderly person who no longer needs to undertake hours of travel, in the patient with a chronic disease who can be monitored more consistently, and in the healthcare professional who gains access to additional scientific support whenever needed. Telemedicine does not simply eliminate geographical distance. It transforms the patient’s experience by bringing healthcare closer to where it is needed. Ultimately, this is perhaps the most meaningful indicator of progress for a healthcare system that truly aims to serve every citizen, wherever they live.”

The opening session also featured Mr Vangelis Gorilas, Head of Public Sector at Vodafone Cosmos, the project’s prime contractor. The event was further honoured by the presence of Dr Fotis Seretis, Governor of the 5th Regional Health Authority of Thessaly and Central Greece, together with physicians from across the region.

Mr George Koukoulas, member of the EDIT Expert Committee, presented the history, mission and long term vision of the National Telemedicine Network, explaining how telemedicine serves as a bridge connecting citizens with the public healthcare system regardless of their geographical location.

Dr Fotis Seretis presented the development prospects of EDIT within the 5th Regional Health Authority, highlighting the Network’s role in reducing unnecessary patient transfers from mountainous and remote areas of Thessaly to major hospitals while strengthening primary healthcare services at the local level.

Project implementation was presented by Mr Kyriakos Kassis, IT Project Manager at Information Society S.A., who outlined the technical and organisational challenges involved in deploying the Network, together with the results already achieved in operational regions.

The perspective of physicians already integrating telemedicine into daily clinical practice was presented by Dr Ioannis Koutsonasios, General and Family Physician and Coordinating Director of Pyli Health Centre (5th RHA), and Dr Dimitra Gotzia, Rural Service Physician at the same Health Centre. They shared practical examples demonstrating how the telemedicine station supports diagnosis and patient follow up in areas with limited access to specialised medical care.

A high level panel discussion followed, featuring Ms Christina Maria Kravvari, Dr Georgios Dafoulas, Special Advisor for Digital Health at the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, Dr Haris Karanikas, Associate Professor of Medical Informatics and eHealth Systems, Ms Angeliki Katsapi, International Healthcare Services Inspector, and Mr Nikolaos Lamprogeorgos, Senior Account Manager for the Public Sector at Cisco Hellas. The discussion addressed the operational requirements of the Network, the regulatory framework governing telemedicine, clinical protocols, European best practices, and quality standards for healthcare delivery.

A second panel focused on the regional perspective and included Mr Ioannis Tsougkos, President of the Faculty Association of the University of Thessaly and Professor of Medical Physics, together with Ms Ioanna Tsakmakidou, President of the Larissa Diabetes Association (SYL.LA.DI.). Ms Tsakmakidou presented the patient perspective, highlighting the daily monitoring needs of people living with diabetes and demonstrating how remote patient monitoring can significantly improve continuity of care while reducing the need for frequent travel to hospital facilities.

The future of telemedicine was presented by Mr Ioannis Drakopoulos and Mr Fotis Kouris of Dextera, who outlined forthcoming technological developments and the future direction of digital healthcare services.

The conference reaffirmed the strategic importance of the National Telemedicine Network (EDIT) for Thessaly and the wider regions of Central and Western Greece, demonstrating how digital technology is transforming healthcare delivery by improving equitable access to medical services for citizens living in geographically remote and underserved communities.

 

A New Era for Primary Healthcare: Visit of the Minister of Digital Governance, Mr. Papastergiou, to the Pyli Health Center Telemedicine Station

A major upgrade to the region’s healthcare services was marked by the official presentation of the National Telemedicine Network (EDIT) expansion at the Pyli Health Center. The media presentation took place on Monday morning, highlighting the capabilities of the program, which is being implemented through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0.”

During the event, attendees had the opportunity to watch a live telemedicine evaluation, as the Health Center connected directly with the Outpatient Clinics of the University General Hospital of Larissa.

High-Level Representation and Praise for the Staff

The presentation was held in the presence of the Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, Dimitris Papastergiou, and the Governor of the 5th Health Region (YPE) of Thessaly & Central Greece, Fotis Seretis.

Both the Minister and the Health Region Governor expressed their satisfaction with the quality of the services, congratulating the management and staff of the Health Center for their dedicated work in Primary Healthcare.

A Valuable Tool for Citizens

On his part, the Coordinating Director of the Pyli Health Center, Giannis Koutsonasios, expressed his gratitude to Mr. Papastergiou and Mr. Seretis for selecting this specific facility as the benchmark location for presenting the network to the media.

Telemedicine now stands as a crucial asset in the hands of Primary Healthcare medical and nursing staff, with the sole ultimate purpose of providing essential support and benefits to citizens.

             
Source: TrikalaView.gr

Teledentistry Care for the Residents of Oinousses – Visit of the Deputy Minister of Health to “Tzaneio” General Hospital

Teledentistry Care for the Residents of Oinousses – Visit of the Deputy Minister of Health to “Tzaneio” General Hospital

The Deputy Minister of Health, Irene Agapidaki, visited the “Tzaneio” General Hospital of Piraeus today, Friday, April 5, where she was welcomed by the Governor of the 2nd Health Region (YPE), Christos Roilos, the hospital’s Governor, Ilias Gouzouasis, and the Deputy Governor, Stelios Geronymakis.

The Deputy Minister closely observed the second phase of dental examinations conducted via telemedicine for the residents of Oinousses, and had the opportunity to speak with the island’s Mayor, Mr. Georgios Daniil, as well as local residents. Ms. Agapidaki referred to the upcoming steps for upgrading Primary Healthcare (PHC), emphasizing that “in the next two years, we will have achieved a drastic reduction in social inequalities in healthcare, so that all citizens can experience a tangible improvement in accessibility to health services.”

Following this, a dentist from the “Tzaneio” General Hospital of Piraeus examined residents of Oinousses via telemedicine. In essence, an initial identification/diagnosis of teeth and gum diseases, as well as oral mucosa lesions, was performed, subsequently updating each patient’s electronic health record.

In an effort to reduce healthcare inequality, the 2nd Health Region, in collaboration with the “Tzaneio” General Hospital of Piraeus, organized this specific teledentistry initiative for the residents of Oinousses—a remote border island of our country where residents face difficulties accessing dental care.

In fact, during the first phase (04/01), it was already found that 90% of the cases examined require dental intervention. The ultimate goal, following the completion of the dental check-ups for the residents, is an in-person dental intervention through a visit by a team from the dental department of Tzaneio Hospital.

Greece is characterized by intense geographical diversity with a vast complex of islands, which is why the development of telematics technology systems will significantly bridge the inequalities between the country’s regions.

Telemedicine is a valuable tool in the hands of doctors and health agencies. In this direction, Greece is implementing the National Telemedicine Network (EDIT), a project funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund with a total budget of approximately 30 million euros. The Ministry of Health is expanding the telemedicine project to cover every inch of the country, including our islands, mountainous, and rural areas.

The Deputy Minister of Health, Irene Agapidaki, stated:

“Today, I visited the ‘Tzaneio’ General Hospital of Piraeus and closely watched the second phase of dental examinations via telemedicine for the residents of Oinousses. We saw firsthand how telemedicine can bring real change to people’s lives, especially in areas that face difficulties in accessing healthcare. The expansion of the National Telemedicine Network by the Ministry of Health reflects our commitment to the holistic upgrade of Primary Healthcare and the improvement of access to health services across the entire country. We can create a better future for the health of all our citizens, and that is what we are working towards every day.”

1st Information Conference on the National Telemedicine Network (EDIT) in Athens

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Information Society (IS) and Cosmote, is organizing the 1st Information Conference for the presentation of the project “National Telemedicine Network (EDIT).” EDIT constitutes a pivotal national initiative aimed at ensuring equal access for all citizens to free, high-quality Primary Healthcare services, with a particular emphasis on the country’s island and remote regions. The implementation of this project is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0,” funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

The event will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Electra Palace Athens hotel, located at 18-20 Navarchou Nikodimou Street in Athens. Guest arrival and registration will begin at 08:45 AM, with the official opening and welcoming addresses scheduled for 09:30 AM, while the conference will run until 14:30 PM. Upon arrival, attendees will receive their badges along with the essential informational materials for the conference.

In the context of the conference proceedings, the public will be briefed in detail on the history, mission, and broader vision of EDIT, highlighting how healthcare is being redefined in our country. Special emphasis will be placed on the network’s technology and innovation, through the presentation of the modern tools and digital infrastructure deployed by the project contractors. At the same time, the challenges faced during the planning and implementation phases will be analyzed, alongside the presentation of tangible results achieved so far and valuable insights gained from integrating telemedicine into daily clinical practice. The event will conclude with an open roundtable discussion focusing on the future prospects and sustainable development of the National Telemedicine Network.

View the 1st Telemedicine Information Conference here.

The General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas” hosted the EDIT Information Days

The General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas” inaugurated the Telemedicine Station of the National Telemedicine Network (EDiT).

The Station is fully active and connected to health units across the territory

On 27 and 28 May, the hospital hosted the EDIT Information Days in the area where the Telemedicine Station is located. Through small-group training sessions, the hospital’s doctors were informed about the operation of EDIT, became familiar with the telemedicine equipment, and observed real-time telemedicine sessions with STIA Stations (Doctor-Patient Stations) in remote areas.

Through its participation in EDIT, G.N.A. “G. Gennimatas” strengthens its commitment to modern and equitable access to healthcare, extending specialized medical care to remote mountainous, island, and underserved areas of the country.