Filenews 6 November 2025 - by Marilena Panayi
Good news for thousands of beneficiaries who need oxygen support, as the Health Insurance Organization informed doctors yesterday about the inclusion in the General Health System of concentrators that will free patients and their families from the repetitive and dangerous process of transporting oxygen cylinders to and from their homes.
The condensers will be available to patients from November 10, they will be supplied in the form of a monthly rental and for their provision it will be necessary to pay a contribution ranging from €0 to €10 depending on the equipment.
According to the relevant announcement, the Organization has concluded contracts with eight companies for the distribution of 5 liter/minute condensers and with six companies for the 10 liter/minute condensers.
Specialist doctors specializing in Pulmonology, Cardiology, Intensive Care, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, as well as Paediatric Thoracic Surgery/Heart Surgery have the right to prescribe and beneficiaries are those patients who meet the criteria of the relevant protocol.
The transfer of patients from the oxygen cylinders to the concentrators will take place gradually and the process will end according to the schedule set on April 30, 2026 and the beneficiaries will have the right to procure the relevant equipment from the company of their choice.
To secure a condenser, patients must pay a GHS II contribution ranging from €0 to €27 per month for a 5-litre condenser and up to €30 for a 10-litre condenser, depending on the company. The amount of the contribution will be paid in advance for one, three or six months, depending on the prescription.
The HIO emphasizes in its announcement that doctors have the obligation to inform their patients about the choice of the zero contribution and to deliver to them the information form that has been issued, in which the obligations and rights of both themselves and the suppliers are recorded.
It is reported that during the process of preparing for the inclusion of condensers in the GHS, the HIO had calculated the coverage of the needs of more than 2000 patients.
Patients who need support with oxygen of 9 liters/minute, patients who are permanently bedridden and need 24-hour support will remain in the oxygen cylinders, while patients who are ambulatory and need constant support will have both oxygen cylinders and a condenser at their disposal, if they wish.
