The Minister of Health Makis Voridis has issued a decree which introduces strict fines for pharmacies that do not observe the government-imposed drug prescription caps.

As such, pharmacists will be forced to have a stock of cheaper medication (based on active ingredient) and must inform patients of their options. Patients will also be required to sign a form should they chose to eschew the cheaper option.

The ministerial decree has been introduced in an effort to curb burgeoning medical costs in the public sector. Repeat offenders will face a series of strict fines, culminating in a termination of the pharmacy’s contract with healthcare provider EOPYY.