Greece's Deputy Minister of Health, Eirini Agapidaki, has announced the launch of a new free hypertension prevention program under the national initiative 'Prolavano,' designed to address the concerning number of undiagnosed individuals in the country, estimated to be around 500,000. This program is a strategic effort to enhance public health and is intended to bolster early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and related conditions.

Agapidaki highlighted the successes of the 'Prolavano' initiative, which has already facilitated millions of citizens undergoing free preventive screenings. Since its inception, more than 5.7 million citizens have participated, with around 200,000 individuals identified with significant health issues including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and various cardiovascular diseases. This approach is part of a broader effort to foster a culture of prevention among Greeks, which has historically been lacking.

The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of shifting public behavior from waiting until illness occurs to seeking preventive care. This initiative is part of the Prime Minister's vision to establish a stronger preventive health culture following the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a comprehensive assessment of the country's health needs and resources. By focusing on prevention, the program aims to reduce the incidence of severe health conditions and promote overall well-being within the population.