Greece launches AI-driven MedWatch system to monitor medical advertisements

On September 18, 2026, Greek Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis introduced a new artificial intelligence tool named MedWatch, designed to monitor online advertisements and professional promotions by private medical practitioners. The system is intended to identify misleading information and ensure adherence to established medical standards and ethical guidelines.

During the press conference, attended by leaders of the Panhellenic Medical Association and the Athens Medical Association, it was announced that the AI tool has already identified approximately 200 cases of potential regulatory violations. The initiative follows recent high-profile incidents involving fraudulent medical practices in the country, which the government aims to prevent through increased digital oversight. Minister Georgiadis emphasized that these measures target specific fraudulent activities rather than the entire private medical sector.

The deployment of MedWatch marks a significant step in the Greek government's efforts to regulate the digital health landscape. While the ministry continues to analyze the initial data, the system is expected to serve as a permanent mechanism for ongoing supervision, aiming to restore public trust and prevent the recurrence of unlawful medical practices observed in recent cases.