More than 2.8 million beneficiaries received an informational SMS regarding their examinations
The Ministries of Health and Digital Governance announce the launch of informational SMS notifications to beneficiaries of the National Program for the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer. Specifically, more than 1.4 million SMS messages have been sent to citizens for the procurement of a free selftest from pharmacies collaborating with the Ministry of Health for this action. Citizens may find the complete list at:
https://colon.gov.gr/synergazomena-farmakeia-kai-kentra-dienergeias-exetaseon/.
The preventive screening program for Colorectal Cancer is addressed to all citizens aged 50–69 who possess an AMKA number, regardless of whether they are insured or uninsured. In addition, to be eligible to receive the selftest, citizens must not have already been diagnosed with any of the following: adenomatous polyps of the colon, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, or hereditary colorectal cancer.
In the event of a positive selftest result, beneficiaries may undergo a free medical visit to a Gastroenterologist for clinical assessment and, if necessary, proceed with a diagnostic colonoscopy.
Beneficiaries who have activated paperless prescribing will gradually receive their digital referral for free preventive examinations. Those who have not activated paperless prescribing may use their AMKA number to visit any participating pharmacy in the program and obtain the selftest at no cost.
Furthermore, as part of the “Prolavvano” Prevention Program, SMS notifications continue to be sent to beneficiaries of the National Program for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer. Already, more than 1.4 million women have received electronic referrals for a Pap test (for women aged 21–29) or for an HPV DNA molecular test (for women aged 30–65).
The Prevention Program for Cervical Cancer covers women aged 21–65 who have not been diagnosed with cervical cancer and who possess an AMKA number, whether insured or uninsured. Additionally, the program provides the possibility of a completely free repeat examination for women in whom findings are identified.
It is noted that SMS messages are sent gradually, in accordance with specifications set by international standards. Beneficiaries of all preventive examinations receive their referral ready for use, and the only action required is to schedule their appointment—free of charge, easily, and promptly. Issuance of referrals for the Cervical Cancer Prevention Program is expected to be completed by next Wednesday, and for the Colorectal Cancer Prevention Program by the end of the month.
Prevention Program “PROLAMBANO”, was designed by the Deputy Minister of Health, Irini Agapidaki. It is implemented by IDIKA S.A., an agency of the Ministry of Digital Governance, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0”, and forms part of a broader and comprehensive strategy for cancer prevention.
