The main points of the bill regarding innovative drugs, the 30% increase in the fees of EOPYY-contracted doctors, and the hiring plan in the National Health System (ESY) were presented on Tuesday morning by the Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis.

As he told ERT, the aim of the bill is to accelerate Greek patients’ access to new therapies, in an environment of increased rebates, which “acts as a deterrent for pharmaceutical companies.” “The puzzle we are trying to solve is how to bring innovative drugs faster to Greece when the rebates are very high and discourage companies,” he noted.

The Minister of Health explained that the government is adopting the Italian model, creating an incentive environment for companies to make their drugs available faster in the country.

According to him, the organized inclusion of innovative drugs on the positive list will limit pharmaceutical spending, which today is burdened by the provision of drugs through IFET.

“Today many innovative drugs come ‘through the window,’ and this ultimately costs the state more. Through the regular pathway, we will have both access and control over spending,” he added.

Georgiadis also announced an urgent amendment to increase the fees of EOPYY-contracted doctors from €10 to €13, a 30% increase. “This is the first increase in 16 years and is implemented without burdening the state budget,” he emphasized, clarifying that the funding comes from savings generated through the electronic appointment platform.

Closing

He explained that the platform led to the rationalization of appointments and the elimination of payments for missed appointments, allowing for the reallocation of funds.

Regarding ESY hiring, Georgiadis stated that Health will receive the lion’s share in 2026, with approximately 5,000 new hires, mainly nurses and other staff.

He made special mention of the Drama Hospital, noting that pathologists had been identified to staff the Pathology Clinic. He also announced significant financial and housing incentives for doctors on the 50 smaller Aegean islands, aiming to ensure adequate coverage during the summer.

“I believe that this year we will have a completely different environment on the islands,” he noted, emphasizing that already in 2025 there was a noticeable improvement compared to 2024, a fact recognized by POEDHN.