GESY

Parties favour legislation requiring insurance for doctors

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Parties favour legislation requiring insurance for doctors

The legislation introduced by Disy to the House health committee, which mandates insurance coverage for all doctors to practice in Cyprus, received favorable responses from political parties and stakeholders. This legislation aims to benefit both doctors and patients by ensuring doctors are covered against professional negligence. Currently, doctors within the national health scheme Gesy are covered, but private sector doctors are covered based on their contracts with private hospitals. However, there are many private doctors without insurance coverage. Issues regarding the amount and procedures of insurance coverage were discussed, with the Cyprus Medical Association and insurance companies expected to address these internally to issue specific regulations. Akel MP Marina Nicolaou expressed agreement with the principle of insurance coverage for all healthcare professionals but is awaiting answers to questions about doctors employed by the health ministry and not by the state health service (Okypy).

Cabinet approves subsidy for relatives of patients sent abroad

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Cabinet approves subsidy for relatives of patients sent abroad

The Cabinet of Cyprus approved a plan to cover the travel, accommodation, and food expenses of one family member accompanying a patient sent abroad for medical treatment. This coverage is for families with an annual household income of under €100,000 and for all minor patients regardless of income. The policy will start next Tuesday and is expected to cost €4.5 million annually. Last year, 1,523 patients from Cyprus were sent abroad for treatment to countries including Germany, Israel, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Sweden, and Greece, for various specialized treatments. The Health Ministry has developed collaborations with leading hospitals across Europe to facilitate these treatments.

Cabinet to discuss subsidy for families of patients sent abroad

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Cabinet to discuss subsidy for families of patients sent abroad

President Nikos Christodoulides announced that the cabinet will discuss a plan to subsidize travel, accommodation, and food expenses for those accompanying people sent abroad for medical treatment. Additionally, a proposal to create a “patient advocate” will be discussed. Christodoulides emphasized the goal of eliminating the need to send patients abroad as a measure of success for the government and Cyprus, highlighting the importance of providing quality health services domestically. Health Minister Michalis Damianos reported that 1,523 patients were sent abroad from Cyprus last year for various specialized treatments, underlining the state’s responsibility to support these patients and the necessity of international collaborations for immediate patient transfer when needed.

Working in Cyprus: an essential guide for expats, remote workers

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Working in Cyprus: an essential guide for expats, remote workers

Cyprus is a strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it an attractive destination for professional expansion. The work landscape in Cyprus includes employment with a Cyprus company, self-employment, and working for a foreign company. Employees in Cyprus sign a contract of employment, are subject to Income Tax, Social Insurance, and contributions to the General Healthcare System, with a tax-free threshold for salary income set at EUR 19,500. Self-employment involves a contract of services, with taxation based on annual profits and mandatory registration for Social Insurance and the General Healthcare System. Working for a foreign company in Cyprus involves considerations regarding tax residency, with over 183 days spent on the island likely resulting in Cyprus tax residency. Non-Cyprus EU employers may need to register as local employers, while non-EU employers might need to establish a branch or company in Cyprus.

Government to boost support for rare diseases

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Government to boost support for rare diseases

The government of Cyprus, through its national health scheme Gesy, is actively seeking ways to improve services for patients with rare diseases, as stated by Health Minister Michael Damianos. This effort includes enhancing diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic services through specialized clinics and scientific centers in both public and private sectors. The health ministry aims to support healthcare professionals specialized in rare diseases and has approved the expansion of neonatal screening programs to include eight additional diseases for a three-year period, with a subsequent two-year evaluation. The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING) and the paediatric centre Amerikos Argyriou will conduct lab work, while Makarios Hospital will handle the clinical part. For patients diagnosed with rare diseases that require treatment not available locally, the health ministry will facilitate care through specialized medical centers abroad.

The Minister of Health reassures: The government will not touch the NHS fund, nor will it cut funds from the health sector

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The Minister of Health reassures: The government will not touch the NHS fund, nor will it cut funds from the health sector

Next week there will be a meeting with the Health Insurance Organization (OAY) and the Minister of Finance. The government has no intention of touching the funds of the General Health System (GESY) or cutting funds from the healthcare sector, according to the Minister of Health, Dr. Popi Kanari. The President of the Republic has already called for meetings with OAY and OKYP to discuss improvements needed in the healthcare system. The government's goal is to improve the quality criteria in the healthcare system. The Minister of Health also stated that there will be a meeting with OAY and the Minister of Finance next week. The government believes that there is a need for personnel in OAY. The efforts in the healthcare sector are focused on upgrading the services and improving behavior towards patients.

Finance minister denies possibility of misuse of Gesy funds

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Finance minister denies possibility of misuse of Gesy funds

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos denied the complaints made by the patient’s association regarding the potential misuse of Gesy’s funds earmarked for healthcare. The patients’ association expressed concerns that someone could interfere with Gesy’s funds and use them for other purposes. Keravnos dismissed these concerns and stated that the funds could not be diverted anywhere other than Gesy. He emphasized that Gesy’s goal is to modernize the state health services organization and ensure satisfactory healthcare within the state’s budget framework. Keravnos also expressed concern about the possibility of mismanagement and the decrease in services provided despite an increasing budget. He mentioned that legislation for the autonomy of public hospitals is not being implemented and that audited accounts from HIO have not been submitted yet.

When jobs are determined by politics, not needs

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When jobs are determined by politics, not needs

The parliamentary debate on the state budget criticized the government’s policies regarding increased hiring in the public sector. The Democratic Rally party expressed concerns about escalating spending and an expanding state payroll. They predicted a 14% increase in the state bill due to mass hiring, increased cost of living adjustments, and a new pension plan. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos emphasized the need for sustainability and productivity in public sector hiring. However, 50 vacancies in the crucial Health Insurance Organisation were not filled, causing the organization to withhold its budget for 2024. This highlights the importance of prioritizing critical positions, such as those related to healthcare, over political appointments.