Created: Jul 19, 2024 07:25 AM The creation of a new tax agency to deal with the upcoming Corporate Income Tax is to go before MPs today in the House of Assembly.A long debate can be expected over the momentous legislation, which includes the penalty of a $100,000 fine and up to two years’ imprisonment … Read more
Health Minister Michalis Damianou is working on legislation to set up university clinics, facing opposition from the University of Cyprus and the government doctors’ union Pasyki. The main disagreement is about who should run the clinics, with the University of Cyprus wanting academic doctors in charge, while Pasyki prefers experienced hospital doctors. Damianou believes in a gradual approach where academic doctors work alongside hospital doctors and eventually take over. He does not agree with the University of Cyprus’ stance and emphasizes the stability of the hospitals and public sector doctors.
Elam is edging out Diko in the MEP elections according to the latest CyBC poll.
A campaign has been launched to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and HIV in Cyprus, coinciding with ‘World Hepatitis Day’. The Health Minister emphasized the importance of equal access to quality health services for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Viral hepatitis is the second leading infectious cause of death worldwide, with deaths increasing to 1.3 million globally in 2022. The World Health Organization aims for comprehensive screening for viral hepatitis by 2030. An initiative called ‘KYFA Checkpoint’ was presented at the press conference, offering free tests for interested individuals.
Cyprus is facing a nursing shortage of between 450 and 500 nurses, which is impacting the operations of clinics and hospitals. The shortage is expected to increase as nurses retire. To address this issue, the employers’ and industrialists’ federation (Oev) is suggesting hiring nurses from third countries and utilizing third country nationals who study nursing in Cyprus. Private hospitals are already struggling to find staff to hire, and there are concerns about lowering the number of hours required to train nurses in Cyprus, which could impact patient safety.
– 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.
Fact: Andreas Christodoulides, President of Zela Aviation, bought and donated the historic Olympic Airways Boeing 727, “Mount Olympus,” to the Municipality of Elliniko after refurbishing and renovating it.
Attempts have been made by the state to set up university clinics at Nicosia general hospital to be used by the medical school of the University of Cyprus, but have been blocked by the government doctors’ union, Pasyki, who do not want outsiders taking charge of hospital clinics.
The fact described in the text is that the Troodos region in Cyprus only has one hospital, making it the only choice for residents in the area.
Unions representing public hospital nurses demanded the hiring of another 170 nurses due to staff shortages. Public hospitals are always short-staffed, with significant shortages caused by retirements, transfers, and staff on leave. Private hospitals have more flexible working conditions and can service the same number of beds with a third of the nurses. The health ministry and Okypy should focus on making better use of hospital staff rather than hiring more nurses. Some nurses are seconded to other parts of the public sector and not performing nursing duties, contributing to the staffing shortage.