The Athens Medical Association reiterates its firm and non-negotiable position that the imposition of the clawback mechanism constitutes an “unjust, crippling, and unscientific measure,” which must be “immediately abolished as it undermines the viability of medical practices and laboratories,” is reiterated by the Athens Medical Association. For this reason, the AMA has exhausted all legal remedies, undertaking relevant initiatives and legal actions.
Specifically, as the AMA states, “a hearing had been scheduled for June 15 before the competent division of the Council of State following a stay of proceedings on the AMA’s petition for annulment, pending a decision by the seven-member panel of the Court that will rule on whether the extension of the measure under Article 100 of Law 4172/2013—which was originally enacted as a “temporary” measure for the period from 2013 through 2018 and, pursuant to Article 25 of Law 4549/2018, as amended by Article 79 of Law 5007/2022, remains in effect through the year 2025, thereby becoming a permanent structural measure, is consistent with the Constitution.”
The case was adjourned ex officio by the Court, as the aforementioned decision has not yet been issued. A new hearing date was set for November 9, 2026.
The ISA, a long-standing pioneer in taking action to defend and support its members, will continue to utilize every available legal and institutional means to abolish this unjust mechanism. At the same time, the Association emphasizes that if justice is not served at the national level, it will continue its fight before the competent European courts, the Association stresses.
Commenting on the issue, ISA President George Patoulis stated:
“The clawback, which began as an extraordinary and temporary measure, has turned into a permanent distortion that threatens the viability of laboratories. The ISA will not stop fighting and intends to appeal to the European courts if it is not vindicated. The State must ensure a fair and sustainable healthcare financing system that respects the work of its healthcare professionals and guarantees high-quality services for citizens.”
SOURCE: APE-MPE