Greece Revamps Disability Certification with New, Accessible Centers

14:41 26/2/2025 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Greece is modernizing its Disability Certification Centers (KEPA), with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security announcing two new central facilities at the Athens Olympic Stadium (SEF) and the Olympic Properties in Galatsi.

The new buildings, under construction and expected to be completed in the coming months, aim to improve accessibility, reduce wait times, and enhance services for citizens with disabilities.

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, Labor Minister Niki Kerameos, along with General Secretary of Social Security Konstantinos Tsagaropoulos, EFKA Governor Alexandros Varveris, and EFKA Deputy Governors Yiannis Delakouridis and Giorgos Papadimitriou, visited the construction sites. Galatsi Mayor Giorgos Markopoulos also attended the visit to the Galatsi KEPA facility.

During her visit, Ms. Kerameos emphasized the government’s commitment to improving services for people with disabilities.

“We are changing the face of the Disability Certification Centers. We are creating new, modern, fully equipped, and accessible facilities. Our goal is to improve the level of services provided, reduce waiting times, and ensure the integrity and transparency of the certification process.

We stand by our citizens, especially those with disabilities, aiming to enhance the care and support they receive. Our priority is to serve them better, more effectively, and faster,” Ms. Kerameos stated.

The modernization of KEPA centers is a priority for the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, focusing on three main areas: infrastructure expansion, strengthening human resources, and simplified procedures.

The two new facilities will operate in state-of-the-art buildings, offering high-quality services and full accessibility for people with disabilities.

The addition of these centers will increase the number of examination sites in the Athens area from 15 to 22, a 46% rise. Ample parking spaces will also be provided.

The number of doctors serving applicants for disability certification has more than doubled, from 514 to 1,294. This increase has already yielded positive results, speeding up certification processes and reducing wait times.

The ministry has introduced an expanded list of irreversible conditions, allowing citizens with these conditions to receive disability certification after a single evaluation. Additionally, new technological solutions are being implemented to enable remote certification for specific conditions, accelerate in-home assessments, and automate certification for certain cases.

The upgrades reflect the government’s efforts to modernize social services and ensure equitable access for all citizens. By leveraging technology and expanding infrastructure, the Ministry of Labor aims to create a more efficient and transparent system for disability certification, ultimately improving the quality of life for people with disabilities across Greece.

The new KEPA facilities are expected to begin operations later this year, marking a significant step forward in Greece’s social policy and its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

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