Starting in September, individuals with morbid obesity will be eligible to receive free medication as part of the Greek government’s cardiovascular disease prevention program “PROLAMVANO,” Kathimerini reports.
In its first phase, the program will cover approximately 10,000 people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher. According to the newspaper, three injectable drugs already on the market will be made available: Wegovy (semaglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), all of which have shown promising results.
In addition to the medication, patients will be monitored for one year by a specialist doctor (such as an endocrinologist or internist). To remain eligible, they must consistently attend a parallel nutritional counseling program—missing more than two appointments disqualifies them.
The medications are costly, with some reaching several hundred euros per month.
According to official guidelines, medical follow-up will take place at public diabetes centers within hospitals, which have experience managing metabolic disorders and obesity.
As for the medication distribution, it’s being considered whether access will be provided through a special mechanism rather than a standard prescription, since not all the drugs are available via the national e-prescription system. The exact procedures are still being finalized.
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