On Monday, November 24, two days before World Olive Day, the General Hospital of Kalamata will carry out a pioneering and symbolic initiative: the collective harvesting of the olive trees located within and around the hospital grounds.

According to available information, this may be the first time such an initiative is undertaken by a public hospital in Greece, with only a few similar examples internationally. The action is organized by the Cardiology Clinic of the Kalamata General Hospital, led by Dr. Manolis Makaras, in collaboration with the School of Olive & Olive Oil of Kalamata.



SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND: THE CLINICAL STUDY AND ITS TWO PUBLICATIONS

The Cardiology Clinic of Kalamata General Hospital has already marked an important scientific milestone through the completion of the first clinical study evaluating the effects of a high-phenolic organic extra virgin olive oil — Elettra — on cardiovascular, inflammatory and oxidative markers.

This research has been published in two separate peer-reviewed articles in the international journal Nutrients (MDPI):

1st Publication – Main Study

Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2543
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/15/2543

This article presents the central findings regarding the impact of high-phenolic olive oil on lipid, inflammatory and cardiovascular markers.

2nd Publication – Conclusions & Extended Analyses

Nutrients 2025, 17(23), 3650
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/23/3650

The second publication provides deeper insights into additional parameters, reinforcing the significance of polyphenols in oxidative balance and cardiovascular protection.

The collective olive harvest at the hospital is a natural continuation of this scientific work, highlighting the olive tree as a living symbol of health, knowledge and the deep agricultural heritage of Messinia.


THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE SCHOOL OF OLIVE & OLIVE OIL OF KALAMATA

An essential partner in this initiative is the School of Olive & Olive Oil of Kalamata, an institution widely recognized for education, tasting and the dissemination of knowledge related to olive oil quality.

With the motto “Know your product – Make your product”, the School unites professionals from all levels of the olive and olive-oil production chain — farmers, food technologists, tasters and olive-mill consultants. By combining scientific knowledge with hands-on expertise, it supports producers and organizations aiming for higher safety and quality in their products.

For this specific initiative, the School contributes:

•technical guidance for proper harvesting,
•educational support for optimal fruit quality,
•practical on-site assistance,
•and a wider cultural and scientific dimension, highlighting the olive as a symbol of identity, heritage and wellness.

Its presence adds depth, coherence and scientific structure to the entire action.


With the participation of the hospital staff, the Cardiology Clinic, the School of Olive & Olive Oil, and members of the local community, this collective olive harvest sends a clear message of:

✔ cooperation
✔ respect for nature
✔ unity of tradition, science and public health

It reminds us that the olive is not only a symbol of peace — it is a source of life, care and community.