Politis

Chaos with Anticoagulants in GHS: Cost Absorption Being Examined After Reactions, Says HIO

Published February 19, 2026, 12:18
Chaos with Anticoagulants in GHS: Cost Absorption Being Examined After Reactions, Says HIO

Recent reclassification of anticoagulant medications is causing significant disruption for GHS beneficiaries, with approximately 8,000-10,000 patients now required to pay up to €22 per month for treatment that was previously free. The HIO is considering absorbing part of the cost and is conducting consultations with the OSAK and pharmaceutical companies. The OSAK denounces the developments as “unethical” and warns of serious consequences for patients and the healthcare system. It points out that changing active ingredients in stabilized patients can lead to deterioration of their condition. The problem lies in a specific category of drugs (“Me Too”), where one of the three formulations has lost its patent and is now available as a generic, prompting the system to recommend the cheaper formulation. However, a second drug that remains under patent is also affected. The OSAK demands that patients should not pay for patented original drugs without an equivalent generic, and warns of the risk of deteriorating health for patients forced to change medication. The case has provoked strong reactions and is expected to be discussed in detail with the competent authorities.