Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou named Honorary Citizen of Spetses highlights national initiative to support doctors on Greece’s small islands

Sixteen positions still open – New call for applications in September with an additional €1,500 monthly financial incentive from the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation

The proclamation of Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Founder and President of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, as an Honorary Citizen of Spetses, during a ceremony held at Spetses Town Hall on Saturday, 18 July, provided an opportunity to highlight an initiative that began on the island and has since evolved into a nationwide programme supporting public healthcare on Greece’s small islands.

During the ceremony, the Mayor of Spetses, Ms. Evgenia Fragia, emphasised that:

“The impact of this contribution extends far beyond the shores of Spetses. The realities of everyday life on Greece’s small islands inspired a nationwide initiative that provides meaningful support to local communities and helps keep healthcare services in remote island areas alive.”

Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis noted that:

“The initiative announced a few months ago, in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is aimed at strengthening public healthcare on our islands, particularly the smaller ones. Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is someone who combines outstanding success in business with an even greater success in philanthropy—something our country greatly needs.”

The initiative is funded through a donation of more than €11 million from the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation over a seven-year period to support the placement and retention of 90 doctors and rural general practitioners across 50 small Greek islands.

Of the 90 positions originally planned, 16 remain open, covering the islands of Agios Efstratios, Psara, Folegandros, Agathonisi, Astypalaia, Sifnos, Nisyros, Koufonisia, Thymaina, Serifos, Kimolos, Kea, Halki, and Spetses. These positions will be included in a supplementary call for applications expected to be issued in September.

In addition to their regular salary from the Greek State, the selected doctors will receive an additional net financial incentive of €1,500 per month, paid for 12 months each year and funded by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation.

What began in Spetses as a response to a genuine local need has grown into one of the largest private-sector initiatives supporting public healthcare in Greece’s island communities, contributing to the sustainable staffing of primary healthcare facilities across the country’s small islands.