Health Minister Michalis Damianou

‘We are not Harvard’: minister warns UCy in battle over university clinics

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‘We are not Harvard’: minister warns UCy in battle over university clinics

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.

Clinics , ‘may suspend operations’ due to nurse shortage

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Clinics , ‘may suspend operations’ due to nurse shortage

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.

5 years on, 60% visit GHS specialists

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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.