Greek Ministry of Health Deletes Inactive AMKA and Imposes New Drug Restrictions

The Greek Ministry of Health has announced a dual strategy to clean up inactive AMKAs (Unique Registration Codes) starting from August and to implement new restrictions on pharmaceutical prescriptions. Through this approach, the government aims to streamline healthcare costs by removing invalid entries from the national health system and introducing digital tools for stricter monitoring of drug consumption. The measure targeting inactive AMKAs is intended to eliminate so-called ‘ghost’ users who do not reside in Greece but still access free medical services. Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis emphasized that these outdated records will be removed from the registry, effectively barring such individuals from accessing free healthcare under the National Healthcare System (EΣY). This decision aligns with broader efforts to rationalize public health spending. At the same time, a new algorithm has been introduced to electronic prescription systems, acting as an ‘intelligent filter’ that blocks prescriptions deemed unnecessary or conflicting with a patient’s existing treatment plan. By cross-referencing product characteristics (SPC) with diagnosis codes (ICD-10), the system prevents redundant or potentially harmful prescriptions. According to the Minister, this could save up to €300 million annually. Additionally, increased oversight through pattern analysis and targeted interventions has been mandated for pharmacies, hospitals, and private diagnostic centers. These measures are expected to curb both uncontrolled pharmaceutical expenditure and clawback pressures on drug companies.