Cyprus Health ...
Cyprus Health Minister Pledges Upgrades as Hospitals Warn New Laws Could Force Closures
Tensions are rising in Cyprus’s healthcare sector. The Ministry of Health has introduced two draft amendment bills , one for private hospitals and another for the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY) , that have sparked strong pushback.
According to private hospital associations and patient groups, the proposed legislation would force many hospitals to meet stringent new building and operational requirements within 18 months, or face potential closure.
Critics argue that the laws could favor certain institutions, since exemptions may be granted via ministerial decree, raising fears of biased enforcement.
The Cyprus Medical Association has also signaled strong opposition, stressing the need for inclusive consultation rather than top-down imposition.
At the same time, Health Minister Michael Damianos has sought to reassure the public: he inaugurated a new integrated “Mother & Child” unit at Paphos General Hospital, consolidating paediatrics, obstetrics, and gynaecology , a move meant to streamline care and reduce unnecessary patient transfers.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to a modern, humane health system, underlining ongoing investments in infrastructure, solar power for hospitals, and staff training.
These developments come as the Ministry has proposed a 1.51 billion health budget for 2026, which includes a significant increase for the national health scheme (GESY).
Part of the funding will go toward creating a national cancer institute, a clinical documentation centre, and a food safety authority , signaling a shift toward prevention, transparency, and innovation in public health.
On the grassroots level, a free health-check campaign recently wrapped up in Larnaca, targeting refugee communities.
The mobile units provided services like blood pressure and glucose testing, dental exams, ECGs, and spirometry , showing concrete efforts to reach marginalized populations.
This is a critical juncture for Cyprus’s health system. On one hand, the government is making bold, positive investments: the new budget, infrastructure upgrades, and preventive health initiatives all suggest a long-term vision. Consolidating maternity and pediatric services is particularly smart , it promises more integrated care and better resource use.
On the other hand, the pushback from hospitals and patient groups over the legislation is deeply worrying. Forcing rapid compliance could destabilize key health institutions, risking closures or reduced capacity , just when the system most needs to expand and improve.
To avoid a destructive clash, the Health Ministry should slow down and engage its critics more deeply. Instead of enforcing heavy-handed reforms, it should build consensus, particularly with private hospitals and patient associations. If done right, the reforms could modernize Cyprus’s health system; but if rushed or imposed without buy-in, they might backfire, undermining trust and causing long-term damage.
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