From today Monday, 16 February 2026, Greek patients with serious conditions can collect high-cost medicines (ΦΥΚ) from local private pharmacies, adding a third option alongside EOPYY pharmacies and home delivery. The move aims to eliminate long queues at EOPYY outlets and improve access to vital treatments.
The new system launches with 10,500 of the country’s 10,850 pharmacies participating. Initially, patients with cancer or multiple sclerosis can submit requests via the EOPYY platform and collect medicines on a scheduled timeline from a pharmacy of their choice. The scheme handles approximately 23,000 prescriptions per month, with plans to reach 66,000 monthly prescriptions within three months, covering one-third of total high-cost prescriptions.
The following months will expand coverage to anti-TNF biologicals with 25,000 prescriptions and treatments for hepatitis B and D and asthma with 18,000 prescriptions. Patients receive the medicines free of charge, while pharmacists earn €20 per prescription from EOPYY. Payments follow the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association’s collective agreement schedule.
Apostolos Valtas, president of the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association, welcomed the expansion, highlighting the scheme’s social impact. “This intervention ends the long queues, or ‘queues of shame’, at EOPYY pharmacies. Patients no longer travel long distances to collect their medicines. They can now access treatment locally with professional guidance,” he said.
Valtas emphasised that the system restores patient dignity, ensures immediate access to therapy, and strengthens direct contact with pharmacists, who can advise on proper usage and manage side effects. Unlike home delivery, the new approach enhances primary care and creates a more humane and functional service framework for vulnerable patients.
Patients select a private pharmacy via the EOPYY platform (https://fyk.eopyy.gov.gr/) using their TaxisNet credentials and AMKA number. They confirm their email address, review prescription details, and may nominate up to three representatives to collect medicines on their behalf. Requests undergo verification by EOPYY within two days, followed by one day for package preparation. Pharmacies receive notifications, and patients are updated via email and mobile throughout the process. Medicines are delivered within six to ten business days, completing the prescription cycle.
