Greece has launched a new program providing free treatments for individuals with severe obesity, following the issuance of a joint ministerial decision by the country’s ministries of Health, Finance and Digital Governance.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to strengthen preventive care and is funded through the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Alongside obesity management, a second program targets early detection of kidney dysfunction, marking a significant expansion of the country’s preventive health strategy.
A key requirement for participation in the obesity treatment initiative is completion of the national cardiovascular risk blood test, offered at no cost through the Prevent program.
Those who have not yet undergone the screening may do so until the end of December. Once the test is completed, the digital system automatically issues a referral for a clinical obesity assessment.
Eligibility and medical process for obesity treatments in Greece
The program provides free anti-obesity medication for adults with a body mass index of 40 or higher, as well as for those with a body mass index between 37 and 40 who also present at least one comorbidity.
Conditions that qualify include type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, stroke, fatty liver disease, and several additional obesity-related disorders.
Obesity assessments are carried out by endocrinologists or diabetes specialists within public health units, or by general practitioners when specialists are not available. Referrals are valid for one month and include all necessary identification details to ensure seamless processing.
Physicians record whether a patient is eligible for treatment and, if so, select the appropriate medication based on an evidence ranked list of approved active substances. Nutritional counseling is provided as part of the care pathway.
Approved prescriptions are issued electronically and can be filled at cooperating pharmacies within fifteen days at zero cost to the patient.
Ongoing monitoring and treatment cycles
Following each prescription, the system generates a new referral for re-evaluation within forty five days.
This cycle can be repeated up to eight times, covering eight medical visits and eight prescriptions. All services, tests and medications are provided free of charge.
Each step of the process is recorded in the patient’s national electronic health record, which is required for reimbursement and continuity of care.
Expanded screening for kidney disease
The second national initiative focuses on detecting early signs of kidney impairment in individuals at elevated risk. Participants receive free diagnostic tests and medical follow-up, with all results stored in the national electronic health record.
Citizens enrolled in digital prescription services automatically receive their test referrals, while others can schedule appointments using their national ID number at designated testing centers without the need for a physician’s order.
