{"id":461,"date":"2026-01-18T14:58:52","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T13:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.afghansingreece.org\/?post_type=ac_ressource&#038;p=461"},"modified":"2026-04-23T16:35:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T14:35:21","slug":"sante","status":"publish","type":"ac_ressource","link":"https:\/\/www.afghansingreece.org\/en\/ressource\/sante\/","title":{"rendered":"Health"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Access to healthcare in Greece: guide for Afghan refugees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">Healthcare for Afghan refugees in Greece: this guide explains access to healthcare, AMKA, PAAYPA, doctors, hospitals, and useful procedures in Greece.<br> Refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers can receive free or very low-cost care in public hospitals and health centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide explains how to obtain a health number (PAAYPA \/ AMKA), where to go to see a doctor, how to access medicines, and which organisations can support you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AMKA and PAAYPA: your health number<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To be treated in the Greek healthcare system, you must have a unique health number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PAAYPA (for asylum seekers)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This temporary number is given when you register your asylum application. It allows you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>go to the hospital<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>get prescriptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>have medical examinations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>vaccinate children<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AMKA (for recognised refugees and beneficiaries of protection)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This permanent number is required for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>specialist consultations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>regular treatments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>access to pharmacies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>certain administrative procedures (insurance, employment, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can you request or update your number?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can contact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a KEP centre (\u039a\u0395\u03a0) \u2013 Citizen Service Centres<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the Asylum Service<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NGOs such as GCR, SolidarityNow, UNHCR, METAdrasi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Where can you receive medical care?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Public hospitals (\u0394\u03b7\u03bc\u03cc\u03c3\u03b9\u03b1 \u039d\u03bf\u03c3\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u03bc\u03b5\u03af\u03b1)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Free or low-cost consultations. Possible services include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>emergency care<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gynaecology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>paediatrics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>radiology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>specialists<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> arrive early, bring your documents (PAAYPA \/ AMKA, asylum card, etc.) and expect to wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health centres (\u039a\u03ad\u03bd\u03c4\u03c1\u03b1 \u03a5\u03b3\u03b5\u03af\u03b1\u03c2)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are suitable for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>quick consultations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>renewing prescriptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>vaccinations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>paediatric follow-up<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Waiting times are often shorter than in hospitals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free social clinics (\u039a\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u03b9\u03ba\u03ac \u0399\u03b1\u03c4\u03c1\u03b5\u03af\u03b1)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Created for people in vulnerable situations, they offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>basic healthcare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gynaecology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>general medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>dispensing urgent medicines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medical NGOs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several organisations provide free care or support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>M\u00e9decins du Monde (MdM)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PRAKSIS ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SolidarityNow (social centres)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>METAdrasi (psychological support, mediation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greek Council for Refugees (GCR)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Possible services:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>general practitioner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>psychologist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gynaecology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>paediatrics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>medical orientation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>social support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Vaccinations, children and school health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Children\u2019s vaccinations are free in the public health system. Even without a vaccination booklet, the hospital can create a new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Greek schools may ask for proof of vaccination, but they cannot refuse a child if your medical file is still being updated. If you are unsure, ask a doctor or an NGO for help.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Mental health and psychological support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Afghan refugees have often experienced difficult situations (war, exile, family separation). In Greece, it is possible to receive psychological support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Available services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>psychologists and psychiatrists in public hospitals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>mental health centers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NGOs: SolidarityNow, MdM, GCR, METAdrasi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>interpreters or cultural mediators (depending on availability)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Appointments can sometimes be offered in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Greek<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>English<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dari \/ Farsi (through NGOs or interpreters)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Medicines and pharmacies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pharmacies (\u03a6\u03b1\u03c1\u03bc\u03b1\u03ba\u03b5\u03af\u03bf) provide the medicines prescribed by a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a PAAYPA or AMKA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>some medicines are very low cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>some treatments may be free, depending on your status<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pharmacist can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>explain how to take your treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>give simple health advice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>direct you to a doctor if needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Always keep your AMKA or PAAYPA number with you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bring your medical documents to every appointment (prescriptions, results, vaccination booklet).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In a life-threatening emergency, call <strong>166<\/strong> or go directly to the emergency department.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Write down your appointments and exams so you don\u2019t miss them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask for an interpreter if you don\u2019t understand the explanations given.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Greek healthcare system offers broad and often free access to asylum seekers and refugees.\nWith a PAAYPA or an AMKA, you can:\n\nsee doctors\n\nobtain medicines\n\nvaccinate your children\n\naccess psychological support\n\nbe supported by specialised NGOs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need help accessing healthcare, you can contact us via the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.afghansingreece.org\/en\/contact\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"33\">\u201cContact &amp; Participation\u201d<\/a><\/strong> website.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Acc\u00e8s aux soins en Gr\u00e8ce : guide pour les r\u00e9fugi\u00e9s afghans Sant\u00e9 pour r\u00e9fugi\u00e9s afghans en Gr\u00e8ce : ce guide explique l\u2019acc\u00e8s aux soins, l\u2019AMKA, le PAAYPA, les m\u00e9decins, les h\u00f4pitaux et les d\u00e9marches utiles en Gr\u00e8ce. Les r\u00e9fugi\u00e9s, migrants et demandeurs d\u2019asile peuvent recevoir des soins gratuits ou \u00e0 tr\u00e8s faible co\u00fbt dans les [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":701,"menu_order":0,"template":"","ac_ressource_domaine":[9],"class_list":["post-461","ac_ressource","type-ac_ressource","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","ac_ressource_domaine-sante"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.afghansingreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ac_ressource\/461","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.afghansingreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ac_ressource"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.afghansingreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/ac_ressource"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.afghansingreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ac_ressource\/461\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2077,"href":"https:\/\/www.afghansingreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ac_ressource\/461\/revisions\/2077"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.afghansingreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/701"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.afghansingreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=461"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"ac_ressource_domaine","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.afghansingreece.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ac_ressource_domaine?post=461"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}