From Monday, patients in Greece with serious health conditions can access high-cost medications for free through local pharmacies, thanks to a new platform launched by the National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY).
Previously, these medications were only available at EOPYY pharmacies or via home delivery. The new option allows patients to pick up their prescriptions from a nearby pharmacy while receiving immediate advice on proper use from a qualified pharmacist.
The platform covers 10,500 of the country’s 10,850 pharmacies and initially prioritizes patients with cancer and multiple sclerosis. Approximately 23,000 prescriptions will be served monthly in the first phase, with plans to expand to 66,000 prescriptions per month within three months. Subsequent phases will include treatments for other conditions, such as Hepatitis B and D, asthma, and biologic therapies.
Patients access the service through EOPPY, logging in with their personal TaxisNet credentials and AMKA number. They can select a pharmacy, authorize representatives to collect the medication if needed, and track their prescription through the platform. Once approved by EOPYY, medications are prepared and delivered to the chosen pharmacy within six to ten business days.
Pharmacists are reimbursed €20 per prescription, and the platform ensures full transparency and monitoring of prescription fulfillment.
The president of the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association, Apostolos Valtas, described the initiative as ending “long, humiliating queues” at EOPYY pharmacies. He emphasized that the system restores dignity to patients, ensures prompt access to medication, and reinforces the role of community pharmacies in primary care.
