The Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), reached significant milestones in providing primary healthcare and psychosocial support through the Hippocrates I programme.

The programme addresses the needs of asylum seekers and migrants residing in Reception and Identification Centers (RICs), Closed Controlled Access Centres (CCAC), and Control Access Facilities Temporary Accommodation of Asylum Seekers (C.A.F.T.A.A.Ss) across the country. It offers medical, nursing, and psychosocial support services to individuals residing in regional facilities under the Reception and Identification Service (RIS). The programme - which began on 1 July 2024 - is set to run for 12 months, and takes a holistic approach to providing primary healthcare services. Its key objectives include:

1. addressing medical and psychosocial needs by ensuring the physical and mental well-being of beneficiaries;
2. reducing strain on local communities and public services;
3. promoting public health.

This comprehensive approach aims to meet both individual and community needs, fostering health equity and societal harmony. Since its launch, results include:

• 26 565 consultations with healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, pediatricians, and gynecologists;
• 2 988 psychosocial support sessions, meeting the mental health needs of residents;
• 2 204 gynecological examinations, addressing women’s health concerns;
• 900 children vaccinated according to the National Vaccination Programme for Children and Adolescents;
• 10 406 vulnerability assessments, ensuring tailored care for at-risk individuals.

To ensure comprehensive medical and psychological support, Hippocrates I employs 286 specialised professionals, including 57 doctors (general practitioners, pediatricians, and gynecologists) and a number of psychologists, social workers, and other health professionals.

The teams operate across 31 reception and accommodation facilities on weekdays and facilitate referrals to public hospitals when advanced care is needed. To date, 6 895 referrals have been made for severe cases requiring secondary or tertiary healthcare.

Recognising the importance of childhood immunisation in disease prevention, over 900 children residing in various facilities have been vaccinated. This effort reflects the programme's focus on public health and upholding children’s right to equitable healthcare.

Looking ahead, the programme will enhance its impact by leveraging mobile units, polyclinics, and biochemical laboratories provided by IOM through previous initiatives.