Greek parliament OKs bill on drug pricing, despite opposition protests

Despite objections of the major opposition Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) party that critics said wanted to protect profits for big pharmaceutical companies who provide it financial support, the Greek Parliament has approved cuts in the prices of state-subsidized medicines, according to the Greek Reporter.

The legislation put forward by Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis - which foresees the reduction of prices in some 6,000 drugs - won easily, by a vote of 164-72 with 10 abstentions. The measure got the backing of all 154 members from the ruling party of New Democracy Conservative leader and Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and his coalition partner, the PASOK Socialists, along with the other 10 votes from independent and Democratic Left (DIMAR) deputies.

SFEE fears drug shortages