Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis outlined key aspects of the bill on innovative drugs, increased compensation for contracted EOPYY doctors, and hiring plans for the National Health System. Speaking on ERTnews Tuesday morning, January 27, he said the bill aims to accelerate Greek patients’ access to new treatments in an environment of increased rebates that “acts as a deterrent for pharmaceutical companies.” “The puzzle we’re trying to solve is how to bring innovative drugs to Greece faster when rebates are very large and discourage companies,” he stated.
Adonis Georgiadis: Today many innovative drugs come “through the back door,” and this ultimately costs the state more
The minister explained that the government is adopting the Italian model, creating an incentive environment for companies to make their drugs available in the country faster. According to him, the organized integration of innovative drugs into the positive list will reduce pharmaceutical spending, which today is burdened by drug distribution through IFET. “Today many innovative drugs come ‘through the back door,’ and this ultimately costs the state more. Through the regular route, we’ll have both access and spending control,” he noted.
EOPYY doctor compensation increase from 10 to 13 euros
Georgiadis announced an urgent amendment to increase contracted EOPYY doctors’ fees from 10 to 13 euros, a 30% increase. “It’s the first increase after 16 years and comes without burdening the state budget,” he noted, clarifying that funding comes from resource savings through the electronic appointment platform.
As he said, the platform led to appointment rationalization and elimination of payments for appointments that weren’t kept, allowing fund reallocation.
5,000 NHS hires coming and coverage of critical gaps
Regarding NHS hiring, the minister said Health will receive the lion’s share in 2026, with approximately 5,000 new hires, mainly nursing and other staff. He made special reference to Drama Hospital, saying pathologists were found to staff the Internal Medicine Clinic.
Incentives for doctors on small islands
Georgiadis announced significant financial and housing incentives for doctors on the 50 smallest Aegean islands, aiming for adequate summer coverage. “I believe this year we’ll have a completely different environment on the islands,” he noted, pointing out that 2025 already showed noticeable improvement compared to 2024, which—as he said—is recognized by POEDIN.
On the deadly “Violanta” factory explosion
During his interview opening, Georgiadis expressed condolences to families of victims from the deadly “**Violanta**” factory explosion, noting that health services were on scene immediately and no injured person remains in serious danger. He said EKAB and hospitals mobilized immediately, while he closely monitored the situation. According to the minister, most injured didn’t face serious problems, while deaths occurred almost instantly.
Referring to the factory where the accident occurred, Georgiadis emphasized it was a modern, well-organized unit that had passed inspections and had safety levels, rejecting any image of an abandoned or makeshift space.
Greek-Turkish relations: Defending “calm waters” policy
On foreign policy, regarding Greek-Turkish relations, the minister defended the “calm waters” strategy with Turkey, saying it absolutely benefits Greece.
“It gives time for armament, supports the economy and tourism, and doesn’t involve any retreat on our sovereign rights,” he emphasized, adding that the government “hasn’t retreated a millimeter.”
On Maria Karystianos
Asked about **Maria Karystianos** regarding her recent post about Greek-Turkish relations, in which—as reported—she asks for the public to be informed about the Mitsotakis-Erdogan meeting agenda and let citizens judge whether it should happen, Georgiadis noted characteristically: “I’ve said from the beginning that if Ms. Karystianos could speak a little politically every day, it would do a lot of good for us and generally” while adding that “she has a far-right sign.”
Additionally, Georgiadis noted that there shouldn’t be talk of “national betrayals,” saying such accusations have historically led the country to divisions.
On Antonis Samaras
Responding to harsh criticism from **Antonis Samaras**, Georgiadis noted that a private citizen cannot be put on the same level as a former prime minister, noting they’re not the same political magnitude.
“No government possible with Mr. Androulakis”
In closing, Georgiadis ruled out the possibility of ND-PASOK coalition government with current leadership, stating that “no government is possible with Mr. Androulakis.” According to him, in case of non-majority, the dilemma will be clearly posed to citizens between governability and political instability.
