On March 3rd, 2026 the School of Medicine of Crete University of Crete, was designated by WHO as Collaborating Centre on Quality of Care and People-Centered Health Policies. Within the following four years, the Centre must implement three pillars of action, which shall be open to participation to any interested party, member of the Medical community of the School of Medicine of the University of Crete. The three pillars are:

– Knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement for patient-care policies based on the needs of the population in the Mediterranean region

– Develop infrastructure and tools to upgrade the standard of care, with a focus in compassionate care and dignity

– Standardization of processes and patient-centered care, and navigation in health systems

An invitation only ceremony, awarding the School of Medicine University of Crete as a WHO collaborating Centre took place at the Ministry of Health in Athens. The award certificate was received by Emeritus Prof Lionis – who led the work on the initiative – on behalf of Rector of the School of Medicine University of Crete, Prof Helen Papadaki.

A reception for the designation of the School of Medicine of the University of Crete is planned for May 19th, 2026 with details to follow soon.