The possibility of a hospital complex on the grounds of the old American base in Gournes, which was first mentioned more than 15 years ago when the base closed, could be closer to reality.

The need for the hospital was the subject of a special meeting at the Gouves Town hall and attended by many local officials, including the mayors of Gouves, Malia, Hersonissos and Episkopi, all of which solidly endorsed the plan.

“It will help combat the problems that the residents face due to the incomplete provision of health care in these municipalities,” said Gouves Mayor Yiorgos Nikolakakis. “The residents today are forced to go to the two central hospitals even for simple examinations, especially during the summer months when the population of the wider region increases tenfold and the problem worsens.”

In expressing their support, local officials asked that the operation of a 24-hour ambulance station be combined with the health centre because the rural surgeries are only open for a few hours a week and lack material and technical infrastructure.