Greece is preparing a wide-ranging healthcare reform that will introduce new rules on pharmaceuticals, expand the role of nurses, and tighten regulations on cannabis products.
The draft legislation, expected to be released for public consultation, seeks to address key challenges in the health sector, including access to costly treatments, market oversight, and workforce modernization.
Faster Access to Innovative Treatments
A central feature of the reform is the creation of a dedicated Innovation Fund, designed to improve patient access to new and expensive therapies while ensuring stricter monitoring.
The fund is expected to operate with an annual budget of €50 million and will introduce a structured evaluation process for new medicines. This includes initial declarations by pharmaceutical companies, pricing procedures, and clinical and financial assessments by relevant authorities.
Treatments included in the fund will be continuously monitored for effectiveness, safety, and cost efficiency. If a drug fails to meet the required criteria or negotiations on reimbursement break down, it may not be included in the list of publicly covered medicines.
Expanded Role for Nurses
The reform also introduces significant changes for the nursing profession. Nurses will be allowed to provide private services under specific conditions, marking a shift toward greater professional autonomy.
This move is expected to open new career opportunities and allow nurses to offer services outside hospitals, particularly in primary healthcare settings. At the same time, stricter rules will be enforced to combat unqualified individuals posing as healthcare professionals, with an emphasis on safeguarding patient safety.
Stricter Cannabis Regulations
Another key aspect of the legislation is the tightening of rules governing cannabis products. Authorities aim to curb what is described as the uncontrolled circulation of such products in the market.
The proposed measures include a full ban on the retail sale, distribution, and use of certain cannabis flower products, even those with low levels of THC. Exceptions will apply only to industrial uses, such as cosmetics and food production.
The changes are intended to protect minors and establish clearer boundaries in a rapidly growing market.
Spending Controls and Oversight
The draft law also extends an automatic rebate mechanism for pharmaceutical spending to additional public hospitals, including those operated by the defense sector.
Under this system, spending caps will be set, and any excess costs will be reclaimed from pharmaceutical companies. A central procurement authority will oversee the calculation and enforcement of these returns.
