Law 5173/2025 (published 30 January 2025) sets out the reform of the National Trauma System. The legislation foresees the establishment of 17 trauma centres for adults and two paediatric trauma centres in public hospitals, and trauma stations in health centres and rural clinics. A trauma centre is a specialized hospital or unit equipped and staffed to provide care for patients suffering from major traumatic injuries such as falls, motor vehicle collisions, or gunshot wounds.
The centres are categorized into four levels based on their capacity to handle different types of injuries, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate level of care. Level I trauma centres will be equipped to handle the most severe and complex cases, with specialized medical teams and advanced facilities available around the clock. The tiered system aims to ensure that critically injured patients are quickly transported to the most appropriate facility for their needs.
The new law also provides for the establishment of a National Trauma Committee to evaluate trauma centres and trauma stations nationwide and oversee the National Trauma System.
Furthermore, the training of specialized and trainee medical and nursing staff participating in trauma centre teams will also be initiated.