Dear Editors,

Many Greek medical doctors prescribe expensive proton pump inhibitors for everything, in order to “protect the stomach” from various other pills or therapies.

This widespread off label use of proton pump inhibitors in my Country is the result of under the table deals with pharmaceutical Companies. [3]

Despite increasing debt, Greece continues to spend the most on pharmaceuticals. [1]

Results from this research study demonstrate that this practice is harmful both financially and clinically. [2]

Let us hope Ministry officials in Greece manage to limit this phenomenon.

References

[1] http://www.bmj.com/content/343/bmj.d4803?tab=responses

[2] http://www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e372

[3] http://www.bmj.com/content/342/bmj.d2408?tab=responses

Competing interests: Dr Stavros Saripanidis is a diligent Greek taxpayer who pays for all these expensive pharmaceuticals that get prescribed for presumed off label benefits.