Exarcheia Self-Organized Health Structure is a social solidarity initiative in
Exarcheia
Exarcheia ( ) is a community in central Athens, Greece close to the historical building of the National Technical University of Athens. Exarcheia took its name from a 19th century businessman named Exarchos (Greek: Έξαρχος) who opened a larg ...
neighborhood of
Athens
Athens ( ; el, Αθήνα, Athína ; grc, Ἀθῆναι, Athênai (pl.) ) is both the capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Greece, largest city of Greece. With a population close to four million, it is also the seventh List ...
with the aim of providing medical care to people who need it. It is located in Κ*ΒΟΞ, a squatted building near
Exarcheia square.
On 21st April, 2012, the building (which was neglected and not hosting any service) was captured by
anarchists
Anarchism is a political philosophy and movement that is skeptical of all justifications for authority and seeks to abolish the institutions it claims maintain unnecessary coercion and hierarchy, typically including, though not necessa ...
with the aim to transform it in a self-organized social center. Police tried to stop the capture of the building, but anarchists helped by the residents of the area (which is known for its
anti-authoritarian
Anti-authoritarianism is opposition to authoritarianism, which is defined as "a form of social organisation characterised by submission to authority", "favoring complete obedience or subjection to authority as opposed to individual freedom" an ...
character) removed the metal sheets placed by the police and the squat functioned as planned.
The structure is staffed by doctors of several specializations, psychologists, nurses, pharmacists and non-expert residents of the area (for the non-medical functions of the structure). All services are offered free of charge.
Decisions are taken by an open assembly with means of
direct democracy. The structure has an anti-establishment character and distinguishes itself from charity.
References
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Anarchism in Greece