While the greatest reform in Cyprus health kicked-off in March when employees started paying regular contributions to the General Healthcare Scheme, Wednesday saw the launch of an online platform for people to choose their family doctor (GP).
Dubbed as an “historic day” for the implementation of the GHS by Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou, did not start well as shortly after going online at 8am, the system crashed for several hours.
Ioannou attributed the technical difficulties which knocked the system offline, to the rush of people who tried to register with over 65,000 registering with a GP by the afternoon.
“I will dare to say that this shows citizens wish to see the introduction of a universal health system based on solidarity and comprehend the necessity for the implementation of the GHS. The registration process begins today and there will be an ongoing registration process for both beneficiaries and providers," said the Health Minister.
Despite attacks from critics of the health reform, the minister called on people to be patient and not to worry when the first phase of the national health service begins on 1 June.
Ioannou, acknowledging that difficulties will arise, said he expects that the first months of the implementation of the GHS may be a bit bumpy, but problems will be overcome with time.
"I would like to assure you that we are fully aware of the difficulties that will arise, particularly in the early months. The GHS is no exception to the rule that any reform of this size is to encounter problems . However, with goodwill and determination we will overcome any impediments that occur along the way.”
The minister explained that the procedure is a very simple one, people can go and online or have their GP register them. Officials are also available for guidance and assistance either through the website or by calling 17000.
The GHS registration page can be reached at https://portal.gesy.org.cy, where beneficiaries will be asked to create an account.
Once you've created an access account, you'll be prompted to sign in. Then follow the on-screen instructions to register as a beneficiary, and after completing this process, proceed by submitting a registration request for a personal doctor from the directory available.
