Free obesity medication from September: Who qualifies

Deputy Minister of Health Irini Agapidaki has announced new measures aimed at upgrading Greece’s public healthcare system (ESY), including the provision of free medications and diagnostic tests. Among the initiatives is a new program offering free treatment for adult obesity, childhood obesity, and kidney dysfunction.

Speaking to ERT, Agapidaki stated:

“As of September, innovative pharmaceutical treatment for obesity will be available for free to individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40.”

She clarified that patients must first undergo mandatory evaluation by a pathologist, endocrinologist, or general practitioner, and that the pharmaceutical intervention must be accompanied by mandatory nutritional monitoring and physical activity.

She also announced the creation of a new digital platform to promote exercise and healthy lifestyle behaviors for both children and adults.

“The platform will offer exercise videos for the whole family and will be completely free,” she emphasized.

Referring to the “Prolamvano” (“I Prevent”) program, Agapidaki reiterated that all preventive medical tests are free, simple, and accessible via gov.gr, with access granted through the citizen’s social security number (AMKA).

“The system shows exactly which tests each citizen is eligible for. Diagnostic centers can see it and guide you accordingly. You don’t have to wait or do anything—it’s all automatic,” she added. After the first exam, the system automatically issues a new referral for the next, without any action required by the citizen.