One step closer to the realization of the action “Preventive Diagnostic Tests for Colon Cancer” the Government is proceeding, following the Joint Ministerial Decision signed by the Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis, the Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou, the Deputy Minister of Health Irini Agapidaki and the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis.

In particular, the KYA defines the terms and conditions of the implementation process of the public health action “Preventive Diagnostic Examinations for Colorectal Cancer”, which is part of the National Screening Program (EPPE) of the National Prevention Program, implemented by IDIKA SA, a body of the Ministry of Digital Governance, and is financed by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Greece 2.0.

The program aims to prevent colon cancer and targets 2.8 million men and women, aged 50-69. It includes a free examination with special self-diagnostic tests (self-test) that citizens will be able to obtain from partner pharmacies, a free visit to a partner gastroenterologist/endoscope for clinical evaluation in the event of a positive result from the self-diagnosis test (self- test). In addition, depending on the clinical evaluation, it includes a free diagnostic colonoscopy, as well as a free biopsy examination in case of findings, always in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee of Experts on Public Health (EEDY).

It is recalled that the government is investing a total of over 200 million euros until 2025 for secondary prevention programs related to cancer and the majority of them come from the Recovery and Resilience Fund.

The Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis stated:

“Colon cancer is one of the types of cancers that can be prevented if diagnosed early. For this reason, screening is necessary, which significantly increases the chances of curing the disease. With the National Screening Program (EPPE) of the National Prevention Program we will be able to save thousands of lives through early diagnosis. I encourage all citizens to take advantage of these free exams and to immediately make an appointment for a competitive examination at one of the cooperating centers, without any financial burden.”

The Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou stated:

“A European state that respects citizens, a digital state that puts the citizen at the center every day and at the same time takes care of the critical health sector. This is the vision we are working towards as a whole as a Government. We are implementing a series of innovative projects for the prevention of diseases, such as colon cancer, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health. Early diagnosis can save lives, and this is a common belief that unites us. Utilizing valuable resources from the Recovery Fund, we implement through IDIKA all those technological tools that strengthen the National Screening Program “PROLAMVANO”, supporting in practice the improvement of the quality of life of citizens”.

Deputy Minister of Health Irini Agapidaki stated:

“Prevention is the cornerstone of our public health strategy, and the MOU we signed with the relevant Ministries reinforces our efforts in this direction. We are moving forward, making our announcements a reality, demonstrating our commitment to improving public health in our country and providing high quality health services for all citizens.”

Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis said:

“Today’s decision is another intervention by the Government in the direction of strengthening public health and expanding the prevention of diseases, such as breast, cervical, colon and cardiovascular diseases. These programs, which save lives, as well as the general upgrading of hospitals and health centers throughout the country, are financed by national as well as European resources, debunking the complaints about the channeling of the funds of the Recovery and Resilience Fund as well as of the NSRF, to “a few ». We leave the fictions of the opposition to the judgment of the citizens and we proceed decisively in the implementation of our commitments for sustainable development with social cohesion and solidarity for all”.