KOS – Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced plans for the construction of a new hospital on the island of Kos, during his visit to the island on Thursday.

He noted that the island home of the “father” of modern medicine, Hippocrates, “will finally get the ultra-modern hospital that it deserves”, and that this will also tie in with areas of activity such as wellness and medical tourism.

The prime minister then spoke about the shift toward a green, cyclical economy through initiatives that are being taken to transform the islands, helping to improve both quality of life for local residents but also the country’s tourism product.

“Considering the great growth prosptects of the island, the fact that it will receive more than one million visitors this year, but also the needs of Kos residents, we are convinced of the need to build a new hospital on the site suggested by the local council,” he added.

He also emphasised that any staffing needs will be quickly filled.

Ministers accompanying the prime minister made statements, with Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias, in particular, emphasising the improved tourism figures.

Replying, Mitsotakis said the figures cited were “encouraging” but asked that members of government be modest in their predictions but also recognise real improvements. He noted that Greece’s successful management of the pandemic had further upgraded the country in the world tourism market.

“The future of tourism is an upgrade of our tourism product. An enlargement of the tourist period, promoting new forms of tourism,” he said.