Kos: Hippocrates’ Home Honors Frontline Health Professionals – Video

The Greek island of Kos, the birthplace of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, has dedicated a short video to Greece’s frontline health professionals that are managing the coronavirus health crisis.

“Doctors, medical staff, students and healthcare professionals, even retired doctors, are fighting a battle throughout the globe, with self-denial and bravery, in order to treat every single patient,” the Municipality of Kos said.

The 66-second video urges people to stay home and narrates the ancient history of Kos, also referring to Hippocrates’ timeless philosophy and practice, and the Hippocratic Oath.

Hippocrates’ statue on Kos Island.

Known as the Father of Modern Medicine, Hippocrates was born on Kos in 460 BC. He studied, practiced and taught therapeutic medicine at the Asklepieion of Kos, the temple of worship of the god Asclepius, healing ground for the ill and a school for the study of medicine, which Hippocrates had instituted within the sanctuary’s area.

The Oath written by Hippocrates is considered one of the oldest binding documents in history, still held sacred by physicians.

Panoramic view from Asklepieion. Photo: © Region of South Aegean

“As citizens of the world, and even more as citizens of Kos, we feel the need to ask for support for our country’s healthcare system and infrastructure,” the Mayor of Kos, Theodosis Nikitaras, said.

The video is available with subtitles in three languages – English, Greek and German. It was created with the contribution of the island’s hoteliers association and photographer Michalis Patakos.

“Our island will be ready to welcome visitors as soon as health experts allow it,” the mayor added.