OBJECTIVES: To compile pharmaceutical expenditure in Greece by financing scheme and type of provider, in order to investigate areas that cost containment measures could be monitored effectively. METHODS: The method used for the estimation of pharmaceutical expenditure is based on the System of Health Accounts 2011 set by OECD, EUROSTAT, and WHO, taking into consideration the national needs for data reporting both in outpatient and inpatient settings. Data were reported by type of provider, including hospital pharmacies, Social Security Funds (SSF) pharmacies, private pharmacies and local authorities social pharmacies as well as  by financing schemes, including SSFs, private payments and NHS payments. Additionally, pharmaceutical data are analysed using the new international classification of Factors of Health Care Provision. Estimates were obtained for 2009 & 2010. RESULTS: Total pharmaceutical expenditure-TPE (outpatient & inpatient) in Greece, decreased by 9,3% between 2009 & 2010. Pharmaceutical outpatient expenditure covered by SSF was estimated at €5.1 bl for 2009 (2.2% of GDP) and €4.46 bl for 2010 (2% of GDP). Less than 8% of outpatient pharmaceutical expenses covered by SSF, concern pharmaceuticals dispensed by NHS & SSF pharmacies. These public pharmacies dispense expensive pharmaceuticals (for serious and chronic diseases) at significantly lower prices than private pharmacies. Inpatient pharmaceutical expenses decreased by 9,1% (€1.2 bl in 2009 and €1.1 bl in 2010),  representing 15.3% of total pharmaceutical expenditures (outpatient and inpatient), a proportion similar to the mean of other EU countries estimated at about 17%. Measures to control the volume of consumption were recently introduced via e-prescribing and the set up of controlling mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in pharmaceutical expenditure are correlated mainly to price reductions and less to a decrease in volume of consumption. Measures concerning pharmaceutical cost containment have to be reorganised not only concerning price and volume but also concerning new –innovative ways of distributing pharmaceuticals.