Thanos Plevris

Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris has called on the European Commission to intervene on the matter of medicine shortages. 

Health Minister Thanos Plevris stated on Tuesday that "the problem concerning the shortages of medicines is an international problem due to the low production and the lack of raw materials" and explained that Greece is in a better condition because it has domestic production.

In an effort to address a shortage in certain medicines, the Health Ministry announced a series of measures on Monday that include an increase in the prices of very low-cost drugs so that they are promoted in the Greek market and not in the international market where their prices are much higher.

The Greek agency for pharmaceuticals (EOF), wholesalers, pharmacies and others met on Monday with Health Minister Thanos Plevris to review the issue of lack of drug availability in the Greek market.

While all cited global issues in medicine shortages, they also said the issue was not as severe as in other countries since Greece has its own production of pharmaceuticals as well.

Τhe medical staff who were not vaccinated against Covid-19 and had consequently been on suspension for the past 16 months returned to work on January 2, based on a decision by the Council of State.

Greece does not plan to return to the strict restrictive measures even in the event of a new wave of the epidemic in the autumn, reports the Greek Ministry of Health.

Athena also received a monkeypox vaccine.

The Minister of Health, Thanos Plevris spoke about the increase of the covid cases in the country and whether the epidemiological situation is beyond the control of the health authorities.

As of today, Friday, April 15, the fine of 100 euros will cease to apply to those citizens who are over 60 years old and have not been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

A number of restrictions against COVID-19 in Greece will be eased. One of them is the need to present certificates for vaccination against coronavirus. The document will not be required for entry into catering establishments, grocery stores and other sites in the period from May 1 to August 31.

The Infectious Diseases Committee took another small step back to normalcy, but its decisions made it clear that a key concern at the moment is an Easter reminiscent, as far as possible, of pre-pandemic times.