Medication Shortages in Cyprus Pose Challenges for Patients
In recent months, patients in Cyprus have encountered significant difficulties accessing prescribed medications due to inconsistent supplies and altered dosages. The Cyprus Patients Observatory reported 13 medication-related complaints in January 2025, highlighting systemic issues within the national health system (GHS) and state pharmacies. Patients have reported receiving either excess or insufficient quantities of medications and making repeated visits to state pharmacies to secure their prescriptions. In some instances, pharmacists have removed pills from original packaging to comply with system restrictions. A notable case involved a patient with a severe neurological condition who was forced to purchase medication from Greece after their regular prescription was discontinued in Cyprus due to commercial decisions by the pharmaceutical company. The Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) is currently reviewing several issues, including software limitations affecting nasal spray prescriptions and packaging restrictions that impact monthly supplies. The report also highlighted concerns about long queues at state pharmacies, incomplete documentation from doctors, and medication instructions provided only in Italian rather than Greek or English.
Additionally, hundreds of mental health patients in Cyprus are facing a health crisis as a crucial psychiatric medication, Seroquel XR, has been unavailable for six months, leaving many unable to work and at risk of suicide. The shortage of Seroquel XR, a drug for treating bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, has forced patients to switch to less effective alternatives, leading to severe disruptions in their daily lives. Psychiatrist Antonis Papaneofytou emphasized the severity of the situation, affecting hundreds of patients across Cyprus who had previously been stable for years. He urged the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) to secure emergency supplies for the most severe cases. The extended-release medication cannot be effectively replaced by immediate-release alternatives, which cause severe drowsiness and leave many patients bedridden, according to medical experts. A 33-year-old bipolar disorder patient reported becoming functionally disabled without it, stating that she could no longer drive or work. Seroquel XR, also known as quetiapine, is considered a cornerstone treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. Sudden discontinuation can lead to severe psychiatric symptoms and increased suicide risk, requiring immediate medical intervention.These medication shortages underscore the need for systemic improvements within Cyprus's healthcare infrastructure to ensure consistent access to essential treatments for all patients.
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