EOPE and SFEE Meeting: Initiatives and Coordination of Actions Focused on the Oncology Patient
Press Release
Halandri, March 3rd, 2026.- The Boards of Directors of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO) and the Hellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Companies (SFEE) held a working meeting on Friday, February 27th, 2026, at the offices of HeSMO, focusing on developments in pharmaceutical policy, access of oncology patients to innovative and established treatments, and the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system.
During the discussion, it was emphasized that public pharmaceutical funding falls short of the continuously increasing needs, resulting in significant pressures on the sustainability of the system and on the timely and uninterrupted access of patients to new and existing therapies, particularly in the field of oncology. One of the reasons for these limitations, highlighted by SFEE, is the very high percentage of pharmaceutical expenditure returned to the industry, a rate significantly higher than the European average. This has led to increasing difficulties in making newly approved oncology medicines available in our country.
It was also noted that the problems in accessing new medicines affect not only patient health but also the conduct of clinical trials in Greece. Clinical trials are a critical factor both for early patient access to innovative treatment options and for enhancing the quality of care provided. Strengthening Greece’s attractiveness as a destination for clinical research requires a stable and predictable environment, investments, and efficient processes.
Both organizations underlined the importance of institutional and close collaboration between the medical community and the pharmaceutical industry, aiming at coordinating actions, exchanging expertise, and promoting continuing medical education, for the benefit of patients and public health.
SFEE and HeSMO agreed to continue the institutional dialogue and to undertake joint initiatives, aiming to ensure equitable patient access to established and innovative therapies and to maintain a sustainable and functional healthcare system.
