Pharmacy program
providing free and safe access to medicines
CMA’s Pharmacy Program works to improve access to essential medicines for people facing barriers to healthcare. Through collaboration with healthcare providers, local pharmaceutical actors, and partner organizations, we support patients in accessing prescribed medicines safely and free of charge, while also strengthening local healthcare systems.
The program supports vulnerable populations, including people living in refugee camp settings, elderly, unaccompanied minors and others experiencing limited access to healthcare and treatment.
how we work
CMA’s pharmacy activities operate through two complementary approaches to ensure effective, responsible, and targeted support for patients.
(1) Tailored Medicine Donations Through Partners
Through trusted partners, CMA provides monthly or bimonthly donations of medicines based on:
The medical needs of patients,
The type of healthcare services provided by partner organizations,
The most common health conditions observed within the patient population.
This approach helps ensure that medicines are relevant, distributed efficiently, and used appropriately, while minimizing unnecessary overstocking and pharmaceutical waste.
(2) Covering Patient Medicine Costs
Some patients receive prescriptions through the Greek healthcare system but are still required to cover part of the costs when purchasing medicines from local pharmacies. In these cases, CMA supports patients by covering out-of-pocket costs, helping ensure that financial barriers do not prevent access to essential treatment.
Through both approaches, CMA works to ensure that essential medicines reach those who need them most.
This work is supported by CMA’s internally developed electronic pharmacy management system, tailored specifically to the operational needs of the program. The system enables careful monitoring, precise tracking, and efficient management of medications, helping to maintain high standards of patient safety, accountability, and responsible pharmaceutical management.
medicine sharing & partnerships
A central component of the program is the safe redistribution of medicines through trusted partnerships and donation channels. Many medicines remain unused despite being within their expiration date and suitable for use, while at the same time people continue to face barriers to accessing treatment.
Through cooperation with organizations such as the Greek non-profit GIVMED, medicines that would otherwise go unused can be safely redirected to healthcare providers and patients in need. This approach helps reduce pharmaceutical waste, improve access to essential treatment, and promote more sustainable healthcare practices.
Supporting Local Healthcare Structures
CMA’s pharmacy activities are designed to support, not replace, existing healthcare systems. Our work focuses on identifying gaps in access to medicines and responding where support is most needed, particularly in contexts where healthcare services are overstretched or where access remains limited.
While CMA’s operational base is on Lesvos, the Pharmacy Program also supports partners and healthcare initiatives in other locations across Greece, including ongoing support on Kos through needs-based coordination and collaboration.
looking forward
CMA continues to adapt the Pharmacy Program based on evolving needs and ongoing assessments and evaluations. Through partnerships, coordination, and responsible medicine- sharing initiatives, we aim to strengthen equitable access to essential medicines and expand support where it is most needed.
Lesvos & kos pharmacy program impact Q1 2026
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In the first quarter of 2026, our pharmacy programs in Lesvos and Kos supported a total of 1,814 patients.
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The main medicines in Q1 of 2026 were: analgesia, antiparasitic medication for scabies, antihistamines, antibiotics & gastroprotective agents.