Greece healthcare faces drug shortages and hospital delays

Greece is facing significant challenges in its healthcare sector, ranging from critical drug shortages to delays in medical infrastructure. Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis has faced criticism regarding the potential withdrawal of Trodelvy, a drug used for triple-negative breast cancer, from the Greek market due to failed price negotiations. Despite reports that the drug's availability is at risk because discount demands exceeded costs, the Minister stated that “no patient will be left without medicine” and promised a solution will be found.

In Northern Greece, the Association of Cancer Patients of Macedonia and Thrace is demanding the immediate commencement of construction for a new 425-bed anti-cancer hospital at the former Karatasio barracks. Although the Council of State cleared the way for the €435 million project by rejecting a legal appeal, patients express frustration over delays, with some estimates suggesting work may not finish until 2032.

Additional regional concerns include an unstable situation at the Psychiatric Clinic in Serres and the lack of a functioning EKAV emergency station in Nigrita, which locals claim poses a life-threatening risk to the community.