Euro Health Index ranks Cyprus 21st

Cyprus has the 21st most consumer friendly healthcare system in Europe, according to the 2008 Euro Health Consumer Index (EHCI) launched today in Brussels.

According to a press release, issued today by the Health Consumer Powerhouse, “this is a notable decline from the 13th position in the equivalent ranking for last year”.

“It seems that Cyprus moving 7 places down from last year is due to a more realistic estimate of the access and waiting time situation for patients not able to pay for rapid service out-of-pocket,” explains Arne Bjornberg, Research Director for the Euro Health Consumer Index.

Analysing the Index outcomes for Cyprus, Johan Hjertqvist, president of the Health Consumer Powerhouse, says that “Cyprus could improve by subsidising medicines to a higher degree and include more of them, as well as dental care, in the public offering. Patient rights and information should also be reconsidered”.

The Netherlands lead the 31 countries ranking with a score of 839 points, followed by Denmark (Diabetes Index winner in 2008), Austria (EHCI winner in 2007), Luxemburg and Sweden. In six categories, covering 34 performance indicators, Cyprus scores 563 points out of a potential 1,000. This means a substantial lowering status of Cyprus in the EU ranking.

The Euro Health Consumer Index is the annual ranking of national European healthcare systems across six key areas: Patient rights and information, e-Health, Waiting time for treatment, Outcomes, Range and reach of services provided and Pharmaceuticals. 31 countries are covered.

First published in 2005, the EHCI is sourced from public statistics and independent research. The producer is the analysis and information organisation Health Consumer Powerhouse.