His conviction that the use of generics will not increase the participation cost for the insured people expressed today the Health Minister, Adonis Georgiadis.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to the Agios Nikolaos hostel for autistic adults, Mr. Georgiadis replied to a question about whether there is going to be a hidden price hike, up to 78%, even in generic drugs.

Note that, according to the newspaper “Ta Nea”, despite the fact that drug prices have fallen significantly, the cost for the insured people will be higher. The hidden price hike, according to pharmacists, is concealed in the new lower reference prices, ie the actual amount that is covered.

However, the minister denied categorically the existence of a hidden price hike.

“There is no hidden hike. The insurance price in an active substance is the average of the three cheapest generics with an average market share of 4 percent at least”, said Mr. Georgiadis.

“Generic drugs correspond to 20 percent of drugs consumed in Greece compared to 60 percent in Europe. Why is that? Because we are convinced that the good drugs are only the brand name ones. This is completely wrong. We have to change our way of thinking and one of the goals is to change the way the cost covered by the insurance funds is determined”, the Health minister said.

Regarding the upcoming European Parliament elections, Mr. Georgiadis said: “I believe that New Democracy will be the first party in the elections. I am absolutely sure of it.” Asked if the ballot ticket is unitary and if it includes new persons, he replied: “It was a very nice ballot ticket.”