Free medication for obesity
Two new free programs are being integrated into the National Program for the prevention and management of cardiovascular risk.
A joint announcement was issued by the Press Offices of the Ministries of Health, National Economy and Finance, and Digital Governance:
With an amendment to the Joint Ministerial Decision that was signed, the implementation of two new preventive examination programs begins, as part of the National Program for the prevention and management of cardiovascular risk.
Specifically, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the two programs—one for adult obesity and the other for kidney dysfunction—aim at the timely prevention of significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
In particular, the program concerning obesity provides free access to innovative, high‑cost medications for combating the condition, as well as free preventive examinations, along with personalized monitoring and guidance for citizens with an increased Body Mass Index (BMI above 40, or BMI 37–40 with related comorbidities). The purpose of the program is to promote healthy habits, encourage gradual weight loss, and support long‑term weight management to prevent cardiovascular complications.
It is worth noting that in this context, the first SMS notifications to eligible citizens for their visit to a doctor are expected to be sent in the coming days.
The second program focuses on the prevention of kidney dysfunction and aims at the early detection of kidney diseases in high‑risk citizens. Through free preventive examinations and medical visits, beneficiaries receive comprehensive care, while the results are recorded in the National Electronic Health Record.
Beneficiaries who have activated paperless prescribing will gradually receive their electronic referral for the free preventive examinations. Those who have not activated paperless prescribing can schedule appointments for each program’s examination using their AMKA number, without any financial cost, at the “Partner Diagnostic Centers.”
Finally, it is clarified that no medical prescription is required. Beneficiaries will receive their referral automatically, and the only step needed is to book their appointment easily and quickly.
The Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis, stated:
“Prevention saves lives, as is evident from the millions of citizens who have already used the ‘Prolavvano’ program’s examinations, many of whom were saved thanks to early diagnosis. With these two new programs—both for adult obesity and kidney dysfunction—we aim at the early prevention of major cardiovascular risk factors. I am confident that our fellow citizens will embrace these two new programs, which are completely free and strengthen our health, offering a better future.”
The Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, Dimitris Papastergiou, stated:
“Technology in Health is a strategic priority for the Government. With the new prevention programs, we offer all citizens effortless and free access to modern services. As the Ministry of Digital Governance, we are always present with digital solutions for everyone, building a health system that is more accessible, stronger, and more effective.”
The Deputy Minister of Health, Irini Agapidaki, stated:
“With the inclusion of these two new free programs, we provide both innovative medicines and holistic care for individuals with severe obesity. At the same time, we ensure early detection of signs affecting kidney function in patients already diagnosed with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, etc. Prevention is becoming—day by day—a daily habit for all citizens, through free examinations, medical care, and continuous information. Easily, quickly, and at no cost, we can finally take proper care of ourselves.”
The Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, stated:
“The provision of free innovative medications for obesity, along with the two new preventive examination programs under the National Program for the prevention and management of cardiovascular risk, adds to the broader, similar initiatives already being implemented by the Government to ensure timely diagnosis, which has saved—and can save—even more lives. These programs also constitute yet another concrete demonstration of how the funds of the Recovery and Resilience Facility are being used, who benefits from them, and how we maximize absorption for the benefit of society.”
