Greece continues obesity drug access, expands cancer screenings
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Irene Agapidaki, Deputy Minister of Health, announced Greece will continue providing free obesity medication to 43,500 patients, allowing up to eight doses per person based on individual medical decisions. The decision followed a review by the Public Health Experts Committee after a program interruption in June, stemming from bureaucratic delays in shifting funding from European to national sources.
Agapidaki also stated that a new cycle of free breast cancer screenings will begin, sending electronic referrals to 2.4 million women aged 45 to 74. The program aims for early detection, having already diagnosed at least 6,000 women with breast cancer in its initial stages, increasing their chances of full recovery.
Greece will be the only country in the European Union offering free testing for Lp(a), a hereditary factor in cardiovascular disease, with additional diagnostic tests available for those with concerning results. Beyond breast and heart health, Greece will continue offering free tests for cervical and colorectal cancer. In the previous cycle of preventative exams, over 1,000 people were found to have serious coronary artery disease, and 2,600 citizens received early diagnoses of gastrointestinal cancer.
The ministry will announce details regarding enrollment of new patients in the obesity medication program at a later date, in collaboration with the Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis.
