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 and largest city of Greece. With a population close to four million, it is also the seventh largest city in the European Union. Athens dominates ...

with the aim of providing medical care to people who need it. It is located in Κ*ΒΟΞ, a squatted building near

Exarcheia square Exarcheia square is located in the Exarcheia neighborhood of Athens and it is considered the center of the neighborhood. The square is a gathering place for people of all ages, but especially young people, and many activities organized by anti-aut ...

. 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 necessari ...

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" and ...

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 Direct democracy or pure democracy is a form of democracy in which the Election#Electorate, electorate decides on policy initiatives without legislator, elected representatives as proxies. This differs from the majority of currently establishe ...

. The structure has an anti-establishment character and distinguishes itself from charity.

References

{{reflist Anarchism in Greece