Patient support Archives

“Myrto” under Scientific Evaluation: Transparency, Evidence and Human Oversight in Social Navigation for Oncology Patients

The first closed scientific testing workshop of the Digital Health and Social Rights Navigator has been completed

Athens, 6 July 2026

The first closed scientific testing and evaluation workshop of “Myrto”, the Digital Health and Social Rights Navigator developed by the Cancer Patient Guidance Centre – Kapa3, was successfully completed.

The workshop was organised by the Cancer Patient Guidance Centre – Kapa3, with the support of René Descartes – Cnam College and the participation of SimasiaAI. It functioned as a dynamic scientific co-design workshop, bringing together specialised professionals from the fields of healthcare, social care, information technology and personal data protection.

The process was closed and strictly experimental in nature and did not constitute a public presentation of a completed product. Its purpose was to evaluate the behaviour of the application through hypothetical and fully anonymised scenarios, to record correct responses and areas requiring improvement, and to use expert feedback for the next phase of development.

The project “Myrto – Health and Social Rights Navigator” is being developed as a knowledge-based digital social navigation system, guided by the principles of explainable, transparent and human-centred Artificial Intelligence.

Its aim is to transform complex legal, administrative and social information into clear, evidence-based and practically useful guidance for oncology patients, caregivers and citizens.

“Myrto” does not replace professional social, legal, medical or clinical judgement. It operates as a supportive information and navigation tool, with clearly defined functional boundaries, human oversight and the possibility of referral to the competent services and professionals of Kapa3.

The programme is implemented with the support of the TIMA Charitable Foundation.

From Information to Understandable Knowledge

During the workshop, the need that led to the creation of “Myrto” was presented, along with the real barriers faced by patients and caregivers when seeking information on social rights, benefits and administrative procedures.

Particular emphasis was placed on addressing digital and informational exclusion. “Myrto” is designed to transform fragmented and often difficult-to-understand information into simple, structured and comprehensible guidance.

A Thematically Specialised and Curated Knowledge Base

The project’s technical partner, SimasiaAI, presented the operation of the application and the architecture used for information retrieval and synthesis.

“Myrto” uses a hybrid search mechanism that combines text retrieval and semantic search techniques, with the aim of identifying the information most relevant to the user’s question. The application operates on a thematically specialised and curated knowledge base.

A central element of its design is the traceability of information, namely the ability to link an answer to the source on which it is based. The use of validated sources reduces the risk of unsupported responses and enables the identification, review and correction of issues through a process of continuous maintenance, regular updating and adaptation to evolving guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Explainability and Human-Understandable Answers

The evaluation did not focus only on whether “Myrto” retrieves the correct information, but also on whether it can present that information in a clear, understandable and conceptually coherent way.

This approach strengthens trust, responsible use of the tool and the meaningful empowerment of citizens through a response-generation system that supports a transparent, evidence-based and human-supervised knowledge ecosystem, in which every piece of information is understandable, verifiable and connected to its source.

Data Protection and Compliance by Design

Personal data protection and regulatory compliance are embedded from the design stage of the application, in accordance with the principles of data protection by default and by design.

During the workshop, only hypothetical or fully anonymised cases were used. Particular emphasis was placed on the principles of data minimisation, anonymisation and secure processing. These principles are directly linked to contemporary requirements for the responsible development of Artificial Intelligence systems, the protection of special categories of data and compliance with the European regulatory framework.

Live Testing of Hypothetical Scenarios

The professionals who participated in the workshop tested the application individually and in small groups, using only hypothetical and fully anonymised cases. The testing was based on an approach that evaluated the behaviour of the system, examining not only whether the final answer was correct, but also whether the overall operation of the application was safe, understandable and appropriate for the specific request.

Disability Certification through KEPA

In one of the key scenarios, “Myrto” was asked to guide a hypothetical patient who did not know how to start the disability certification procedure through KEPA. The system retrieved the main steps of the process, organised the information in an understandable format and provided relevant references to the sources.

Participants evaluated:

the accuracy of the information,
the completeness of the steps,
the clarity of the language,
and the practical usefulness of the answer.

Travel from the Region for Treatment

In a second scenario, the case of an oncology patient who needed to travel from the region to another location for treatment was examined. The application identified relevant categories of socioeconomic support and benefits and presented possible next steps to the user.

The test allowed participants to assess:

the correct identification of the request,
the connection between different rights and benefits,
the completeness of the sources,
and the possibility of referral to the appropriate services.

At the same time, cases were also examined in which:

the question was unclear or incomplete,
the user did not know which right or benefit to look for,
clarifying questions were required,
medical or personalised legal advice was requested,
or immediate human intervention was necessary.

A Continuous Cycle of Scientific Feedback

The meeting concluded with a discussion of the testing results, a review of the technical logs and the presentation of key usage statistics for the application.

The participants’ observations are not treated as isolated comments, but as structured scientific feedback for improvement. In this way, a closed cycle of learning and feedback is created, in which technology, scientific knowledge and the experience of professionals interact continuously.

The continuous involvement of experts and the integration of structured feedback are considered critical for strengthening transparency, reliability and trust in Artificial Intelligence systems used in sensitive fields.

The Interdisciplinary Project Team

The development, scientific documentation and regulatory compliance of “Myrto” are supported by an interdisciplinary team from the fields of health services administration, information technology, personal data protection, language technology and software development. The workshop was attended by:

Evangeli Bista, Co-founder of Kapa3 and Head of Strategic Partnerships; Aristea Archontidou, Industrial Informatics Engineer with postgraduate specialisation in Health Policy and Health Services Planning; Anastasia Vlachopoulou, lawyer and member of the Thessaloniki Bar Association, specialised in personal data protection; Dimitris Papadakis, Co-founder and Sales Manager at SimasiaAI and Project Manager of the “Myrto” project; and Giannis Barous, Co-founder and CTO of SimasiaAI, PhD candidate in Computer Science based in San Francisco, who has undertaken the technical component of the project: how the system identifies the right information, how it connects it with reliable sources and how it provides answers that are evidence-based, useful and safe.

About Kapa3

The Cancer Patient Guidance Centre – Kapa3 is a social support, information and navigation organisation for oncology patients, survivors, caregivers and their families. Its aim is to contribute to equal access to oncology care, social protection and the rights associated with the cancer experience.

Every day, Kapa3 supports people who face not only the disease itself, but also a range of practical, administrative, social and psychosocial challenges. Through personalised social guidance, the organisation helps patients and caregivers learn about their rights, understand available benefits and services, navigate administrative procedures and connect with appropriate support structures.

The main pillars of Kapa3’s work include information on social and insurance rights, support in accessing health and social care services, guidance on benefits and procedures, empowerment of patients and caregivers, and connection with professionals, organisations and communities.

As part of its digital strategy, Kapa3 develops digital empowerment and social navigation tools, such as “Myrto”, the Digital Health and Social Rights Navigator. “Myrto” is designed to transform complex legal, administrative and social information into clear and evidence-based guidance for oncology patients, caregivers and citizens, always with human oversight, transparency and respect for the limits of technology.

Kapa3’s philosophy is based on the principle that care is not limited to medical treatment. It includes access to information, social protection, psychosocial support, dignity, empowerment and the ability of every person to know and claim their rights.

Through collaborations with health and social care professionals, academic and research institutions, civil society organisations, public structures, volunteers and communities, Kapa3 seeks to build bridges between the patient, information, services and real access.

There is an urgent need for psychological support for cancer patients. The KAPA3 team explains and advocates for this

There is an urgent need for psychological support for cancer patients. The KAPA3 team explains and advocates for this

Every day, healthcare professionals are called upon to communicate with, assess, and, above all, support people who are going through cancer.

Does cancer affect only physical health, or does it also have a profound impact on a person’s psychological, social, and emotional life? The needs that arise during the course of the illness are many and are often accompanied by the question: “What does the disease really bring to a person’s life?” A cancer diagnosis brings about significant changes in daily life, relationships, social roles, and the way a person perceives themselves and their future.

A cancer diagnosis is an extremely stressful event, often accompanied by feelings of fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and grief. At the same time, patients are called upon to cope with the effects of treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Changes in physical appearance, fatigue, pain, and limitations in daily functioning can significantly affect their self-esteem and quality of life (Pitman et al., 2018).

Uncertainty regarding the course of the disease and the likelihood of relapse are significant sources of psychological distress. The extent of this phenomenon is reflected in the meta-analysis by Mitchell et al. (2011), which included 94 studies and more than 14,000 cancer patients. According to the results, 16.3% of patients met the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder, 10.3% for anxiety disorder, and 19.2% for adjustment disorder.

These data highlight that a significant proportion of cancer patients experience severe psychological distress, a fact that underscores the need for specialized psychological support.

Furthermore, cancer often affects an individual’s family and social relationships. The patient may be forced to limit or abandon professional and social roles, while the family is called upon to adapt to new demands and responsibilities, experiencing significant psychological strain of their own (Northouse et al., 2010).

Cancer patients have an increased need for psychological support, as the disease significantly affects their psychological, social, and emotional functioning. Fear of the disease’s progression, uncertainty about the future, the side effects of treatments, and the possibility of recurrence are major sources of psychological distress. At the same time, the experience of cancer is often accompanied by feelings of loss of control, fear, and emotional distress. The contemporary psycho-oncology literature recognizes that the early identification of psychosocial needs and the provision of appropriate interventions are an integral part of holistic oncology care (Caruso & Breitbart, 2020; Mehnert-Theuerkauf et al., 2023).

Within this context, psychological support is a key component of holistic care for cancer patients. Holistic care refers to a comprehensive approach that takes into account not only the patient’s physical needs but also the psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of their health. Counseling, psychotherapy, and support groups provide a safe space for expressing emotions and building psychological resilience (National Comprehensive Cancer Network [NCCN], 2024).

At the same time, they help improve adherence to treatment, strengthen cooperation with healthcare professionals, and maintain quality of life. As Holland and Weiss (2008) argue, psychosocial care is an integral part of high-quality oncology care, from diagnosis through the survival phase.

In conclusion, the experience of cancer is a complex and multidimensional process that affects every aspect of a person’s life. Managing the disease is not limited solely to physical treatment but requires the recognition and addressing of the psychological and social needs that arise at every stage. Providing timely and systematic psychological support can empower the patient, improve their ability to adapt to the demands of treatment, and contribute significantly to maintaining their dignity, hope, and quality of life. Psychological care should be regarded as a fundamental right of every cancer patient and as an integral part of modern oncology practice.

Coordination of Psychological and Social Services within the Framework of Psychosocial Care

The care of cancer patients is not limited to treating the disease and its physical effects. The needs that arise during treatment are often multifaceted and concern both the individual’s psychological well-being and practical, social, or financial issues that affect their daily life.

For this reason, effective support requires close collaboration among different healthcare professionals within a shared framework of psychosocial care. Within this framework, the Social Services and Psychological Services operate in a complementary manner, with the shared goal of enhancing the individual’s quality of life and overall adjustment to the experience of illness.

A client’s contact with the service can begin either through the Social Services Department or the Psychological Services Department. During the initial contact, an assessment of the client’s needs is conducted, and information is provided about all available support services.

Regardless of the initial request, the beneficiary is informed about the option of receiving psychological support, as the experience of cancer is often accompanied by heightened psycho-emotional needs that are not always apparent from the first contact. With their consent, an internal referral can be made to the Psychological Services Department for further evaluation and support.

The Psychological Services Department is responsible for the initial assessment, obtaining informed consent, and creating an individual support file. A structured series of sessions is then provided, tailored to the beneficiary’s needs. During this process, issues may arise related to social benefits, employment challenges, financial burdens, disability certification procedures, or other practical needs that significantly impact the daily functioning of the individual and their family. In such cases, and always with the beneficiary’s consent, cooperation with Social Services is initiated, and Social Services assumes responsibility for managing the relevant social and administrative matters.

The collaboration between the two services enables the timely identification of new needs and ensures continuity of care. Social Services focuses on the practical, social, and administrative aspects of support, while Psychological Services focuses on psychological resilience, emotional processing of the experience of the disease, and adaptation to the changes it brings about. The collaboration between the two services allows for a more comprehensive response to the needs of the cancer patient. In this way, a unified framework of psychosocial care is established that provides substantial support to the patient and their support network at all stages of their journey with the disease.

At the same time, regular communication and coordination between the two services allow for the timely identification of new needs and ensure continuity of care. The Social Services Department focuses on the practical, social, and administrative aspects of support, while the Psychological Services Department focuses on psychological resilience, emotional processing of the experience of the disease, and adaptation to the changes it brings about. The collaboration between the two services enables a more comprehensive response to the needs of cancer patients. In this way, a unified framework of psychosocial care is established that provides substantial support to the patient and their support network at all stages of their journey with the disease.

Kapa3 – Cancer Patient Guidance Center

Together, with knowledge, care, and a human touch.

https://www.kapa3.gr/epikoinonia/ by typing “Psychological Support” in the Message box

OR CALL

2105221424 – info@kapa3.gr

Athens: 13 Kostis Palamas Street, 3rd floor, (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) 6982003282

Kapa3 Cancer Patient Support Center and the USTEP Institute announce the launch of their strategic partnership

The Kapa3 Cancer Patient Support Center and the USTEP Institute announce the launch of their strategic partnership, aimed at providing meaningful support to cancer patients and promoting equal opportunities in scientific, social, and educational levels.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed in Athens on May 26, 2026, by Evangelia Bista, Co-founder and Head of Development and Operations at Kapa3, and Vasileios Stavrou, Co-founder and Scientific Director of the USTEP Institute.

As part of the collaboration, the two organizations will develop joint initiatives that include:

Organizing workshops and conferences focused on patient education, improving the quality of care, and strengthening the relationship of trust between patients and healthcare professionals.

The implementation of information and awareness campaigns on prevention, symptom management, and combating myths and social stigma surrounding cancer.

Collaboration on national and European programs aimed at developing innovative initiatives and actions with a social impact.

Conducting joint research and disseminating the results at the national and European levels.

This partnership reaffirms the two organizations’ commitment to actively contribute to the creation of a more supportive and inclusive environment for people living with cancer, by enhancing access to knowledge, information, and social empowerment.

The Memorandum of Cooperation is valid for one year, with the option to renew upon mutual written agreement by both parties.

New Joint Ministerial Decision on the 2026 Aerotherapy Allowance: A Detailed Guide for KAPA3 Beneficiaries

At the Cancer Patient Guidance Center—KAPA3, we remain committed to providing accurate and timely information to cancer patients and their families regarding the rights and social benefits to which they are entitled. With the aim of making your daily life easier and ensuring you have full access to beneficial legislative provisions, we present a comprehensive guide to the granting of the air therapy allowance, in accordance with the recent Joint Ministerial Decision (No. 89399 EX 2026) published in the Government Gazette, Issue B, No. 3295, dated June 11, 2026.

The air therapy allowance applies to the summer season of 2026.

The amount is set at 250.00 euros and will be paid as a lump sum to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts on July 10, 2026.

The amount is unseizable and fully exempt from any tax or withholding.

Who Are the Beneficiaries

The benefit is granted to disabled retirees of the State and the e-EFKA. Specifically, beneficiaries are those who fall into the following categories:

a) Pensioners referred to in subparagraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph 1 of Article 6 of Legislative Decree 4605/1966.

b) Pensioners under subparagraph (c) of the aforementioned paragraph 1 of Article 6 of Legislative Decree 4605/1966, who, according to

the opinion of the competent Health Committee for the years 2020 through 2026, have been deemed to be in need of this allowance and belong to the following categories of retirees:

Disabled officers under Law No. 2588/1921 and Law No. 875/1979 on military retirement.
Disabled officers under Law No. 362/1943.

iii. Disabled enlisted personnel under Article 1 of Legislative Decree 1044/1971, as amended by Article 1 of

Law 1043/1980.

Disabled members of the former Municipal Police who were subject to Legislative Decree 330/1947.

Disabled members of the Security Forces under Law 1579/1950 and those disabled members of the Coast Guard,

the Fire Department, and the Agricultural Police who are treated as equivalent to them.

Disabled members of the National Resistance under Provisional Act 1855/1951, Legislative Decree 412/1970, and Law 1543/1985.

vii. Persons with disabilities under Law 1370/1944 (who sustained their disabilities during peacetime while in service and as a result thereof, and

receive a disability pension).

viii. Persons with disabilities from the anti-dictatorship struggle under Law 1543/1985.

Disabled civilians under Law 812/1943.

Disabled civilians under Law 1863/1989.

c) Civilian retirees who sustained disabilities as a result of their service (Decision of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security No.

754.6/117/3912/March 24, 1969) and

d) OSE retirees who left the service and are receiving a pension due to tuberculosis.

3. Who Is Exempt from Payment

According to the Government Gazette, the following categories are not eligible for the air therapy allowance:

Recipients of other benefits: Those who have received or are set to receive a corresponding air therapy allowance from any other source (such as public entities, private entities, public benefit organizations, etc.).

Spa Therapy Beneficiaries: Those who have been deemed eligible for spa therapy for the year 2026 by the Directorate for Reserve Combatants, Veterans, War Victims, and War Disabled (DEPATHA).

New Pensioners: Citizens whose pension is payable after September 30, 2026, or whose order for registration in the Pensioner Registers is issued after October 31, 2026.

What to Do in Case of Non-Payment

If you are eligible but the benefit does not appear in your account by the scheduled date of July 10, 2026, the law entitles you to file a retroactive claim.

You may submit a request by December 31, 2026, at the latest, to the following agencies (depending on your category):

To Section E of the Income Policy Directorate of the General Accounting Office (p. 2) .

To the General Directorate of Public Sector Pensions of e-EFKA (p. 2).

You can contact the Kapa3 team

13 Kostis Palamas Street, 3rd floor (Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

Contact Numbers: 210 5221424 & 6906265170.

Email: info@kapa3.gr

MELODIC Online Symposium: completion of the pilot training phase and strengthening psychosocial cancer care

The European project MELODIC (Mental Health Support for Young Adults with Cancer), in which the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 participates, is being implemented through distinct development phases. The pilot training programme for healthcare professionals is one of its core components, and within this framework, the MELODIC Online Symposium 2026, taking place on 24 April 2026, marks the completion of this educational phase.

The MELODIC project framework

MELODIC is a European project co-funded by the European Union, aiming to strengthen the mental health of young adults living with cancer, as well as to support their families. Through the collaboration of universities, research institutions and healthcare organizations across Europe, the project develops training and support tools for healthcare professionals.

More information about the project and its progress is available on the official Kapa3 website, in the dedicated project section.

The pilot training programme

The pilot training programme focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals in providing psychosocial support to young adults with cancer and their families.

As part of the programme, online sessions and contact lessons were delivered, aiming to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and support the practical application of tools in everyday clinical practice.

MELODIC Online Symposium 2026

The MELODIC Online Symposium 2026, a two-hour event, brings together participants from all partner countries and includes:

opening presentations from the European Cancer Organisation and Youth Cancer Europe
an “experts by experience” panel, where individuals share their lived experience
a networking panel with healthcare professionals from participating countries
discussion on how training can be applied in clinical practice
a closing session by the project coordination team

From training to clinical practice

A key objective of the MELODIC training programme is to strengthen the psychosocial dimension of cancer care, with particular focus on young adults.

The exchange of experiences among healthcare professionals contributes to more holistic approaches to care and supports the integration of psychosocial support into daily clinical practice.

The role of Kapa3

Kapa3 actively participates in the European MELODIC consortium, contributing to the implementation of the training activities and the dissemination of results in Greece. Through this involvement, the connection between scientific knowledge and the support of cancer patients is further strengthened, promoting the development of practical approaches to psychosocial care.

The MELODIC Online Symposium 2026 marks the transition from the pilot training phase to the next stage of utilizing its outcomes, reinforcing the link between education and real-world application in cancer care.

The Press Release here: PRESS-RELEASE-MELODIC SYMPOSIUM

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Evangeli Bista on DION TV: Social Support and Kapa3’s Role in Guiding Oncology Patients

On March 19, 2026, Evangeli Bista, Co-founder of Kapa3, gave an interview to Christos Thanasainas, journalist and Scientific Director of Forlife Clinic, on Central Macedonia’s DION TV, during the daily program All About Health, which covers topics on health, nutrition, autoimmune diseases, and recent scientific developments.

The discussion highlighted the importance of social support for cancer patients and their families, both inside and outside the hospital, as well as the critical role of Kapa3 in guiding and providing holistic support to patients.

WHAT IS SOCIAL SUPPORT – TWO WORLDS:

Social support in cancer care is not a single, uniform concept. Inside the hospital, it mainly concerns assistance with the public healthcare system and bureaucratic procedures. Outside the hospital, real life begins: family, caregivers, and decisions the patient must make.

MAJOR SYSTEM CHALLENGES:

As Ms. Bista noted, hospitals face a significant shortage of social workers and related professionals. International literature suggests that there should be 10 social workers for every 2,500 residents—but this is not the case in Greece. In 92 municipalities, there is not a single social worker, while in areas where social workers exist, most are on fixed-term contracts or funded through programs (such as ESIF). The result is a maze of bureaucracy and uncertainty for the patient, who must understand medical and legal terms, make critical decisions, and manage financial consequences—often without support.

THE ROLE OF KAPA3 – SOLUTION, NOT JUST A SERVICE:

In this environment, Kapa3 provides holistic guidance and support, helping patients navigate procedural and practical issues—either independently, if they feel capable, or with active assistance from the organization at every step. Coverage is nationwide, although the complexity and fragmented structure of the system require ongoing study and time for effective support.

THE “HEAVY” MESSAGE – UNDERSTANDING VS. INFORMATION:

As Ms. Bista emphasized:

“The patient doesn’t need more information – they need understanding.”

The process is essentially behavioral: understanding reduces uncertainty, uncertainty reduces anxiety, anxiety affects behavior, and behavior determines health outcomes.

Kapa3 operates within this “maze,” offering holistic guidance and support. Intervention can be supportive, giving patients the ability to act on their own, or active, guiding them step by step. Kapa3 covers the entire country, addressing the growing needs of patients.

THE BIG CHALLENGE: “MYRTO”

“Myrto” represents Kapa3’s major initiative for 2026. After five years in oncology social support, Kapa3 addresses secondary digital exclusion with “Myrto”—a Digital Health Navigator designed to transform knowledge into practical understanding and provide real-time guidance for patients, avoiding the “chaotic wandering” through the healthcare system. The platform is currently in the study and design phase, aiming to meet the real needs of patients and their caregivers.

The interview highlighted the importance of social support, understanding over mere information, and the role of digital technology in modern oncology care. Kapa3 and Myrto strive to bring care from the hospital into patients’ daily lives through a holistic, personalized, and practical approach.

For more information and to watch the full interview, see the video on YouTube here.

(Note: Video in Greek with no English subtitles).

You can dowload our Press Release here

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Digital Access to Test Results: An Important Right for Patients

Digital access to medical test results has become an important right for patients in Greece, following new regulations that strengthen the use of the Digital Repository of Diagnostic Laboratory Results. According to the relevant decision published in the Government Gazette (March 2026), public and private healthcare units collaborating with EOPYY are required to record diagnostic test results in digital form within a specified timeframe.

This change is not just a technical procedure or an administrative obligation for healthcare providers. In practice, it represents a meaningful enhancement of patients’ rights, ensuring that every citizen can have immediate and organized access to their medical data.

Digital access to test results now reduces the need for physical documents, printed copies, or trips to diagnostic centers. Instead, results are stored in a unified digital environment connected to the Individual Electronic Health Record. This allows patients to have their test history consolidated, reducing the risk of losing important information.

For people living with cancer, this development is especially significant. Disease monitoring often involves repeated tests, visits to different doctors, and continuous evaluation of results. Immediate access to all data facilitates collaboration among healthcare professionals and contributes to more coordinated and effective care.

Moreover, the obligation to record results is linked to reimbursement procedures through EOPYY, enhancing transparency in the healthcare system. This ensures that only tests that have actually been performed are reimbursed, limiting abuse and strengthening the reliability of services.

It is also worth noting that data management is carried out under the current personal data protection framework, safeguarding patients’ privacy and information security.

Transitioning to a more digital healthcare system is not just a technological advancement. It is a step toward a more human, transparent, and accessible system of care, where the patient has an active role and meaningful control over their own data.

Ultimately, strengthening digital access to test results represents an important step forward in empowering patients and improving the quality of healthcare provided.

Source: Government Gazette, FEK B’ 1503/17.03.2026

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Update on Constant Attendance Allowance – March 2026

Based on the latest available data for March 2026, the Constant Attendance Allowance, provided through e-EFKA, has been increased and now reaches up to €845–846 per month, depending on the category and insurance status. This allowance applies to pensioners with severe disabilities or serious mobility impairments who require continuous assistance and supervision from another person, following disability certification by the KEPAs.

The year 2026 features increases and retroactive payments in EFKA allowances, including disability benefits, aiming to strengthen support for vulnerable pensioners and reduce financial difficulties in daily life. This adjustment reflects the ongoing commitment to support pensioners with increased care needs.

Eligible Pensioners

Pensioners with a disability rate above 67%, for whom continuous care by another person is certified.
Blind elderly pensioners.
Survivors’ pensioners, provided the deceased had their first insurance before 1/1/1993.

Amounts and Supplements

For those insured before 1/1/1993, the supplement reaches 50% of the pension, up to €671.40.
For those insured from 1/1/1993 onwards, the amount is €173.34.
Employees may also receive an extra-institutional allowance, with a total maximum of €846.
At a social assistance level, the amount can reach up to €380 per month.

For public sector pensioners, the corresponding supplement is calculated at 2.5% to 4.5% of the basic lieutenant salary, depending on the degree of incapacity, and in cases of 80% or higher incapacity, the amount increases by 50%. The allowance is tax-free and protected from garnishment.

Important Note: The official decision on the adjustment is expected to be published in the Government Gazette in the coming days. Once available, the article will be updated with full details and the official Gazette reference.

This increase on the Constant Attendance Allowance, forms part of the broader adjustment of social welfare allowances for 2026, confirming the commitment to support pensioners with higher self-care needs and ensure a dignified standard of living.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

New Collaboration between Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 and the Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS)

Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 announces its new collaboration with the Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS), strengthening synergies between organizations active in the field of health and patient support.

This collaboration aims to develop joint initiatives that will contribute to raising awareness, promoting public information, and providing meaningful support to people living with chronic conditions, with particular focus on cancer patients and persons living with Multiple Sclerosis. Through the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices, the two organizations seek to strengthen actions that promote equal access to information, healthcare services and social inclusion for patients.

Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 is dedicated to supporting people living with cancer and their caregivers by providing reliable information, practical guidance and access to benefits and services. At the same time, the organization develops initiatives that enhance patients’ awareness of their rights and promote their psychosocial empowerment. Through initiatives such as Mobile Units, digital tools and educational programmes, Kapa3 promotes a patient-centred approach to cancer care, encouraging patients to actively participate in decisions concerning their health and quality of life, while fostering collaborations with organizations working in the fields of health and social support.

The Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS) is a secondary non-profit organization founded in 2008 with the aim of uniting and supporting primary associations of persons with Multiple Sclerosis across Greece, while also raising awareness about the disease among the wider public. The Federation currently brings together nine primary patient associations from across the country. HFoPwMS implements awareness and advocacy initiatives related to Multiple Sclerosis and works to ensure the equal participation of people with MS in the educational, professional, athletic and cultural life of the country. It is a member of the National Confederation of Disabled People (ESAmeA) and the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP).

Within the framework of this collaboration, the two organizations plan to develop joint initiatives such as the organization of conferences, workshops and awareness events, the implementation of information and public awareness campaigns, participation in national and European programmes, as well as the development of joint research initiatives on issues related to patients’ quality of life. The partnership will also contribute to strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation and knowledge exchange among organizations active in the health sector.

This new collaboration reflects the shared vision of the two organizations to strengthen the voice of patients and promote a society that respects, supports and empowers people living with chronic conditions.

Continuing the Journey: Online Group Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition – Third Cycle with Kapa3 and the LB.H.Sc

Following the warm response to the second cycle of meetings (see the related article here ), focusing on Nutritional Guidance and Experiential Psychological Support, Kapa3 and the Laboratory of Basic Health Sciences (LB.H.Sc), Department of Nursing University of Peloponnese are delighted to continue their collaboration with a third series of online group sessions for mental health and nutrition, dedicated to the holistic care of body and mind, designed for people living with cancer and their caregivers.

In this third cycle, mental health and nutrition are approached as two complementary sides of the same care.

The mental health sessions help participants recognize and manage challenging emotions such as anxiety, fear, sadness, or guilt, strengthen resilience, and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and others.

The nutrition sessions explore how mindful and balanced eating can support the body, improve energy and mood, and become a meaningful act of self-care. Food is not only a necessity but also a way to nurture the body, mind, and spirit.

Program of Online Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition & Themes

Saturday, February 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Myths and truths about “anti-cancer” diets. How to evaluate nutritional information and avoid risky practices.
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Stress and uncertainty: practical ways to manage them during treatments and exams.
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Giving space to emotions without being overwhelmed: recognizing and expressing fear, anger, sadness, and guilt.
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Nutritional support during treatment & the role of cachexia.
Saturday, April 25, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Boundaries without guilt: protecting energy and mental resilience.
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Safe cooking practices & kitchen hygiene.
Saturday, May 23, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Family and illness: changes in relationships and ways to support each other.
Saturday, June 6, 2026, 17:30–19:00
The Tree of Life: who I am beyond the illness.
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 17:30–19:00
What gives meaning to life now: discovering small but meaningful elements that sustain us.

Format & Participation

The meetings are held online, based on dialogue, experiential learning, and the sharing of personal experiences. Everyone participates at their own pace, in a warm environment of acceptance and trust. Consistent attendance helps build safety and confidence within the group.

To express your interest or join the first session of the third cycle (Saturday, February 28, 17:30–19:00): [Registration Link]

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3