“The ‘Pro-lamvano’ (‘I Prevent’) programme is here to stay,” declared Deputy Minister of Health Irene Agapidaki during an interview with SKAI on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. She emphasized that the initiative is not a one-off campaign but a permanent public health mechanism—designed to deliver annual SMS reminders to citizens about free preventive screenings included in the national prevention strategy.
A Permanent Shift Toward Prevention
Agapidaki stressed that these preventive programmes represent a sustained policy commitment—not temporary or ad hoc actions. “‘Pro-lamvano’ has come to stay,” she reiterated, underscoring that SMS notifications will continue each year for conditions covered under the programme.
The initiative marks a major transformation in Greece’s public health approach, enabling millions of citizens—including both insured and uninsured individuals—to access free preventive examinations for serious conditions such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, cardiovascular disease, and kidney function disorders.
Greece’s First Integrated Prevention System
“For the first time, Greece has established an organised, systematic prevention framework,” said Agapidaki. “Aligned with European principles, ours is among the most comprehensive prevention systems in Europe.”
She added that this shift signifies a historic turning point: “For the first time, we have a Ministry of Health—not a Ministry of Illness. We’re now identifying diseases early, even in people who don’t know they’re ill and show no symptoms.”
To date, over six million citizens have undergone free preventive checks under the programme. Among them, numerous serious conditions—including cancers and severe cardiovascular issues—have been detected early, often before any symptoms appeared. “We’ve identified people requiring urgent intervention—people who, without screening, would likely have reached the National Health System with far more advanced, life-threatening disease,” Agapidaki noted.
She highlighted the broader impact: “We’re cultivating a culture of prevention—one that helps us live longer and healthier lives. After all, living longer *and* better matters to all of us. A telling example: thanks to ‘Pro-lamvano’, approximately 60,000 people have avoided imminent heart attacks.”
Supporting Children’s and Adolescents’ Mental Health
On mental health, Agapidaki pointed to free counselling and psychotherapeutic services available nationwide for children, adolescents, and families. “Parents should know these services exist—and are accessible at no cost,” she said.
She also urged special attention during summer months, when routine changes and separation from school environments may affect adolescents’ psychological well-being.
Bringing Healthcare to People’s Doorsteps
Agapidaki referenced data showing that over 50,000 people have already been examined by Mobile Health Units—fully staffed vehicles deployed across the country to expand access to preventive care, especially in remote or underserved areas. “We’re taking the doctor to the citizen’s doorstep,” she said.