Patients in Greece are experiencing significant delays in obtaining new medications, with recent data showing that only 69 out of 168 new drugs approved by the European Medicines Agency between 2021 and 2024 have reached the Greek market. This delay is concerning given the substantial progress being made in Europe regarding medical innovations.
According to a study conducted by the Greek Association of Pharmaceutical Companies (SFEE) in collaboration with global company IQVIA, Greek patients are waiting an average of 641 days, equivalent to 21 months, to receive new medications after European approval. This is a significant delay compared to countries like Germany, where this period is only 158 days.
Details of the Situation
The figures reveal that 3 out of every 5 new drugs will not be available to Greek patients in the coming years. SFEE President, Olimpios Papadimitriou, confirmed that this situation threatens the health of patients suffering from serious illnesses such as cancer and blood disorders.
Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly concerned about entering the Greek market due to the challenging financial environment, as the government imposes strict restrictions on pharmaceutical spending, making it an unattractive market for launching new products. The report indicated that 101 out of 131 new drugs that have not been priced in Greece may never be launched in the market.
Background & Context
The roots of this problem trace back to the financial crisis that Greece experienced, which led to the imposition of strict austerity measures on health spending. These measures, aimed at reducing expenses, have resulted in a significant decline in the availability of new medications in the market.
Today, Greece has a new drug availability rate of only 41%, compared to an average of 45% in Europe. In countries like Germany, this rate reaches 93%, highlighting the significant gap in access to modern treatments.
Impact & Consequences
The impact of this situation extends beyond just the patients; it also affects pharmaceutical companies that face significant challenges in deciding to enter the Greek market. The decline in the number of available drugs may exacerbate the health conditions of patients, making it difficult for them to access appropriate treatments.
Additionally, studies indicate that 62% of new drugs may not be launched in the Greek market, raising questions about how to improve health policies to ensure timely access to medications for patients.
Regional Significance
This issue is significant for the Arab region, as many Arab countries face similar challenges in accessing new medications. Improving health policies in Greece could provide a model that Arab countries can benefit from in addressing issues related to access to modern treatments.
Ultimately, the most pressing question remains: how can the current situation be improved to ensure that new medications reach patients in Greece and beyond? This requires joint efforts from the government, pharmaceutical companies, and civil society.