No more government-funded prescriptions

Saving 560 million euros. That is the amount that the Ministry of Health will be left with each year after deciding to not subsidize daily home-use medicines such as aspirin and paracetamol (pain and fever relievers) and almax (an antacid).

Until now, state funding has paid 60% of the price of these prescription drugs -- both name-brand and generic varieties. Citizens cover the remaining 40% of the costs. After this measure goes into effect, people who get prescription drugs from a pharmacy will be expected to take on 100% of the cost of these products. Even retired people will pay full price.

Without doubt the decision will be unpopular, but it is necessary in order to cut back excessive government spending.