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Athens, 26 January 2026.-  For the fourth consecutive year, the Hellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Companies (SFEE) held its Annual Meeting on National Cancer Policy at the European Parliament’s Offices in Athens, with the participation of representatives of the State, the medical and scientific community, patient associations, European institutions and the pharmaceutical industry. The discussion focused on the development of a National Cancer Action Plan, as well as on the significant steps implemented to date, including the introduction and reimbursement of new oncology biomarkers aimed at enabling personalized treatment. Particular emphasis was also placed on the importance of ensuring patient access to innovative therapies developed by pharmaceutical companies, alongside the persistent barriers faced by oncology patients in accessing health services.

SFEE’s initiative, which began four years ago, has established itself as an institutional platform for dialogue, contributing substantially to the formulation of a comprehensive, holistic and patient-centric National Strategy on Cancer, in full alignment with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. Bringing together all stakeholders at the same table for dialogue on such a key public health issue as management of cancer, has now laid the foundations for targeted action and acceleration of important reforms, as emphasized.

As emphasized by Mr. Olympios Papadimitriou, President of the Board of Directors of SFEE, the broad and multi-level participation in the meeting underscores the significance of the initiative aimed at establishing a stable and coherent national cancer policy. “The presence of all of you today confirms the importance of the collaboration launched several years ago at SFEE’s initiative, which continues to sustain public dialogue on cancer care,” he noted. Mr. Papadimitriou also referred to the global acceleration of pharmaceutical innovation and research, highlighting that oncology represents the largest share of research activity, with approximately 30% of ongoing research programs focused on cancer. “We cannot overlook the challenges patients face in accessing innovative medicines, as well as existing therapies. However, the limited budget allocated to pharmaceuticals and innovation creates substantial barriers,” he stated. He further stressed that scientific progress must be accompanied by timely and equitable patient access to innovative treatments. In this context, he referred to the renewal of the oncology biomarker list, noting that significant practical challenges remain regarding the full implementation of their reimbursement. Finally, he described the “Prolamvano” program as unprecedented by Greek standards and reaffirmed the commitment of pharmaceutical companies to continue investing in research and innovation, with cancer remaining a key public health priority.

For his part, the Minister of Health, Mr. Adonis-Spyridon Georgiadis, stressed that this annual meeting is an important mechanism for monitoring progress and setting new goals in national cancer policy. “Through this dialogue, we are able to assess the progress of our cooperation on an annual basis, refine our direction, and address existing challenges,” he noted. As he noted, oncology biomarkers have now been incorporated into the reimbursement framework, supported by a dedicated and secured budget. He also referred to the National Registry of Neoplasms, as well as to the establishment of digital oncology councils, which enable oncologists and healthcare professionals to participate via teleconference, thereby enhancing the quality and coordination of oncology care. The Minister of Health further announced that the National Cancer Action Plan is expected to be included in the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) of the Ministry of Health within 2026, with the establishment of a dedicated working group in the near future. In parallel, he referred to ongoing discussions regarding the creation of an Innovation Fund, aimed at providing greater flexibility in the assessment and integration of innovative therapies into the healthcare system. Particular emphasis was placed on the country’s new oncology infrastructure, including the new unit at Papanikolaou Hospital, the Radiotherapy Center at “Sotiria” Hospital, and the new oncology clinic in Lamia. He also underlined that the increase in pharmaceutical expenditure in public hospitals is directly linked to the substantial rise in the number of patients receiving high-cost treatments.

The Deputy Minister of Health, Mr. Marios Themistocleous, presented data demonstrating improved patient access following diagnosis. He emphasized that waiting times for the initiation of radiotherapy have been significantly reduced, as a result of strengthened infrastructure and an increase in the number of available radiotherapy units. At the same time, he noted that no delays are observed in the provision of chemotherapy or surgical interventions. All relevant performance indicators are systematically monitored, with the objective of ensuring the continuous improvement of oncology care.

The discussion moderated by the journalist Mr. Vassilis Chiotis, was attended by: Mr. Kostas Athanasakis, Professor of the University of West Attica, Mr. Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, President of the Medical School of the University of Athens,  Mr. George Vassilopoulos, President of the Hellenic Society of Hematology, Mr. Nikos Dedes, the Secretary General of the Greek Patients Association,  Mr. George Kapetanakis, President of the Hellenic Cancer Federation, Eleni Kourea, President of the Hellenic Society of Pathological Anatomy, Stylianos Loukidis, President of the Hellenic Thoracic Society, Nikos Papandreou, MEP of PASOK-KINAL (S&D), Anna Paisiou, Vice President of the Hellenic Society of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology (EEPAO), Niki Tsouma, CEO of I.D.Y.K.A. S.A., Emmanuel Saloustros, President of the Society  of Medical Oncologists of Greece, Kyriakos Souliotis, Professor at the University of Peloponnese and Amanda Psyrri, Professor of Pathology-Oncology at the Medical School of the University of Athens and Director of the Second Propaedeutic Pathology Clinic at the University General Hospital “Attikon”.