CYPRUS: New national health system has proven doubters wrong

The Cyprus government said it is pleased with the implementation of the new General Health System which radically changed the country’s healthcare delivery amid much criticism.

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Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said on Monday that one month after the implementation of the system he is pleased with the way things are coming along, while any problems that appear are being dealt with.

Ioannou said that problems are being solved in a timely manner with “the Health Insurance Organisation exhibiting fast reflexes”. 

After visiting President Nicos Anastasiades who is recovering in a private hospital in Limassol after a hip operation, Ioannou said that authorities are continuing efforts to get more health institutions on board the GHS.

He said the ministry is in informal negotiations with a number of stakeholders from health institutions to pharmacists, as there is unwillingness from the part of collective bodies to formally enter negotiations.

He noted that, at the last meeting with the Pancyprian Association of Private Health Institutions, some demands had been made, "all of which, except for one, had not been satisfied until now".

The outstanding demand had to do with town-planning incentives, and this was approved by cabinet last week which would see a 20% increase in the building co-efficient for hospitals and clinics.

“We are also moving ahead with the implementation of a De Minimis plan to subsidise the replacement of medical equipment.”

Ioannou said that a letter informing the association of the government’s decision has been sent along with an invitation to further discuss demands put forward and other issues which may be of concern.