A police union in northeast Attica has filed criminal complaints against psychiatrists at public mental health facilities, accusing them of continuous dereliction of duty and endangering patients.
The complaint could result in preliminary examinations for many psychiatrists who have worked emergency shifts since February 2024.
The dispute stems from a February 2024 directive requiring psychiatric facilities to immediately accept patients brought by police and release officers without delay. Doctors protested they couldn’t comply due to workload and bed shortages.
The Health Ministry and police subsequently warned psychiatrists they face criminal charges if they require additional examinations or inform officers that no beds are available.
Medical associations condemned the lawsuit as “unprecedented” and accused authorities of “criminalizing psychiatric practice” while ignoring critical bed shortages.