Thirty thousand adults are receiving SMS messages notifying them of eligibility for a free obesity treatment program. Recipients get electronic referrals valid for one month to visit contracted public health facilities, where they’ll receive nutritional counseling and free prescriptions for expensive innovative obesity medications. The program targets people with a body mass index of 40 or higher, or 37-39 with conditions like Type 2 diabetes or hypertension.
Deputy Health Minister Irini Agapidaki emphasized the strict requirements: “We’re not just giving out medications. Anyone who doesn’t follow the diet and exercise program given by specialists will be removed from the program.”
The initiative is part of the National Cardiovascular Risk Prevention Program, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund. About 13,000 messages were sent Monday and Tuesday, with remaining notifications scheduled for December 28-29. The program includes continuous medical monitoring and support for gradual weight loss and long-term weight management.