5 years on, 60% visit GHS specialists

5 years on, 60% visit GHS specialists

– The General Health System (GHS) in Cyprus was established five years ago.
– The GHS remains financially viable for the next seven years, with reserves of €590 million.
– The GHS has increased confidence among the public, with 60% of beneficiaries visiting a specialist in the past year.
– The GHS has improved access to health services and quality of life for citizens.
– Plans are underway to reduce waiting times at specialist physicians and publish a strategic plan for 2024-2026.
– The GHS has added four hospitals, two A&E departments, day care centers, at-home palliative care, and additional healthcare professionals and therapies.
– The GHS has imposed fines, carried out investigations, and suspended contracts to ensure oversight and quality of services provided.

Reuters: Israel reopens Gaza food sales as Rafah raid chokes aid

Reuters: Israel reopens Gaza food sales as Rafah raid chokes aid

The Israeli military has lifted a ban on the sale of food to Gaza from Israel and the occupied West Bank amid international aid choking as a result of the battlefield offensive. Gaza traders have been given permission to resume purchasing food such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy products from Israeli and Palestinian suppliers. The deliveries are vetted by the Israeli military at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, with only products for sale allowed and no charitable donations permitted. The flow of deliveries has been inconsistent, with prices often too high for cash-strapped families in Gaza.

Animals collapse, water shortages bite amid India’s searing heat

Animals collapse, water shortages bite amid India’s searing heat

Animals collapsed and people jumped on water tankers with buckets amid shortages due to blistering summer heat in north India. Delhi recorded temperatures touching 47 C (116.6 F) and saw its first heat-related death. Authorities are investigating a 52.9 C reading in one area. Delivery personnel are spending more time on scooters due to the heat, and companies like Zomato are taking measures to help them. The extreme temperatures have also led to more fires in several parts of the country. India, along with other countries in Asia, is experiencing unusually high temperatures, which scientists attribute to human-driven climate change. India has set a target of becoming a net-zero emitter by 2070.

Kition workers rehired by state after Larnaca port takeover

Kition workers rehired by state after Larnaca port takeover

Workers at Kition Ocean Holdings, operator of the Larnaca marina and port concession, will be rehired by the state, securing 70 jobs just before the next mayoral and European elections.

Social welfare dept takes years to reply , – ombudswoman

Social welfare dept takes years to reply , – ombudswoman

Members of the public have been waiting for up to three years to hear back from the social welfare department, which takes an excessively long time to address appeals and requests, according to Ombudswoman Maria Stylianou Lottides.