With Law 5293/2026 (Government Gazette A’57), a new framework is introduced for the operation of Public Administration in Greece, directly linked to patients’ rights in public administration, aiming to create a more citizen-friendly, efficient and transparent system.
These changes affect everyday interactions with public services, improving the way citizens are served, informed and supported.
The main provisions of the law can be grouped into three key pillars:
1. Simplification of procedures and reduction of bureaucracy
A central element of the reform is the simplification of administrative processes.
Article 3 – Replacement of supporting documents
According to Article 3, citizens may, in several cases, replace official supporting documents with a solemn declaration, when these documents cannot be directly retrieved by public services.
In practice, this means:
- fewer documents need to be submitted
- public authorities are responsible for retrieving the required information
- procedures can start immediately without delays
At the same time, verification mechanisms are in place, including checks and sanctions in cases of false declarations.
Article 5 – Faster processing of requests
Article 5 strengthens the obligation of public services to process requests within specific deadlines, reducing delays in administrative procedures.
2. Transparency and digital access to information
The second pillar focuses on improving transparency and access to information.
Article 5 – Case tracking
Citizens are given the ability to digitally monitor the progress of their requests.
They can access information such as:
- the current stage of the process
- the estimated completion time
- the responsible department
- contact details for further communication
Article 6 – Mandatory publication of circulars
All administrative circulars:
- must be published online
- are valid only after publication
This ensures that citizens have access to up-to-date and valid information.
Article 7 – Online publication of public service hours
Public authorities are required to publish and regularly update:
- their operating hours
- public service hours
This helps reduce unnecessary visits and waiting times.
3. A new way of operating public administration
The law also introduces a new approach to administrative procedures, aiming to increase efficiency.
Article 4 – Certified professionals
Public administration may collaborate with certified professionals who:
- are registered in official registries
- meet specific qualification and certification criteria
- can prepare reports, certificates or draft decisions used in administrative processes
These professionals are subject to:
- random checks
- penalties and fines in case of errors
- removal from the registry if necessary
At the same time, accountability mechanisms (particularly under Article 3) ensure the reliability of the system.
What this means for patients
While these measures apply to all citizens, they are particularly important in relation to patients’ rights in public administration.
Reducing bureaucracy, enabling digital access to information and speeding up procedures can significantly ease the burden for patients, especially in processes related to:
- healthcare services
- benefits and allowances
- administrative approvals
Towards a more accessible public administration
Law 5293/2026 represents an important step towards a more efficient, transparent and accessible public administration.
For patients and their families, every improvement that reduces complexity and uncertainty is not just an administrative change, but a meaningful support in their daily lives.
You can find the Government Gazette A’57 here (Greek Text): ΦΕΚ Α 57 Ν 5293_2026
Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3