Greece has officially launched the distribution of high-cost medications (HCMs) through private pharmacies, a move designed to ease patient access and reduce long queues at public health service points. The program, initiated by the National Organization for Health Care Services Provision (EOPYY), began on February 5, 2026, targeting patients with cancer and multiple sclerosis.
During the first phase, the Ministry of Health estimates that approximately 20,000 prescriptions per month will be dispensed through participating private pharmacies—compared to just 1,500 per month under the previous system. The first batch of about 23,000 prescriptions is set to be made available throughout February, with plans to expand to 66,000 prescriptions per month by the first quarter of 2026.
The initiative was officially launched with the signing of a collective agreement between EOPYY and the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association, in the presence of Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis. Georgiadis highlighted that the program will allow patients to choose a private pharmacy for their medication, ensuring both convenience and access to professional guidance on proper administration.
“This program resolves the long-standing issue of overcrowding at EOPYY pharmacies,” Georgiadis said. “It also reinforces the critical role of pharmacists as healthcare professionals, providing patients with expert advice and safe administration of complex medications.”
The Head of EOPYY, Theano Karpodini, emphasized that the pilot program has been in development for over two years. “With the cooperation of the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association, we are now able to offer high-cost medications through private pharmacies, expanding access for patients across Greece,” she said.
Pharmacies participating in the program are certified via EOPYY’s platform and must provide medications during regular business hours. Patients are notified electronically of prescription approval and can select their preferred pharmacy. Medications are shipped to the pharmacy through certified distributors, ensuring safety and compliance with the cold chain. Pharmacists verify patient identity and can refuse delivery if any irregularities are detected.
For their role in dispensing these prescriptions, private pharmacists will receive a professional fee of €20 per prescription, in addition to applicable taxes. Payments will follow the schedule outlined in the collective agreement of the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association.
