Strike action at state hospitals in Cyprus looms as doctors’ unions prepare to announce their next steps on Monday, raising concerns about potential disruptions to healthcare services. The Pancyprian Association of Government Doctors (PASYKI) and the Union of Cyprus Public Employees (PASYDY) are set to meet on Monday to finalise joint measures, including the timing … Read more
The president has been criticized for not making tangible changes or addressing important issues in the country. Despite his stylish public appearances and activities, such as attending sports events with his child, the lack of visible progress in solving pressing problems like traffic congestion, education system inefficiencies, healthcare issues, and more, raises concerns about his leadership. The focus should be on addressing these issues rather than on his personal style and public appearances.
Keir Starmer, the leader of Britain’s opposition Labour party, outlined six priorities for his party if they win the upcoming national election.
Cyprus is facing a shortage of injectable diabetes medications due to increased use for weight loss, overwhelming pharmaceutical production capacity. The Health Insurance Organisation is seeking alternative sources to provide medications for diabetic patients. The Cyprus Patients’ Federation urges doctors to prescribe responsibly and for the public to prioritize these medications for those with genuine medical needs. Dr. Konstantinos Tsioutis emphasizes the importance of these medications for managing diabetes and expresses concern over critical global shortages caused by unnecessary prescriptions. Tsioutis calls for collaboration to ensure medications are only given to patients with valid medical justifications until the global supply chain improves.
A woman named Ayla Dalgalan died in the north after being given the wrong type of blood during a transfusion. Dalgalan had been in the hospital’s intensive care unit for 12 days before passing away. Her relatives announced they would take legal action, and the Universal Patient Rights Association in the north expressed support for them. The incident has led to a general feeling of fear and distrust towards healthcare services in the region. The European charter of patients’ rights, which includes 14 rights, could potentially be a source for a law to protect patients’ rights in the north.
Labour Minister Yannis Panagiotou discussed measures to support Turkish Cypriots, including the distribution of widowhood pensions to eligible spouses of Turkish Cypriots who contributed to the Social Insurance Fund. The Ministry of Labour is simplifying the application process by allowing married Turkish Cypriot contributors to submit a joint affidavit. Additionally, vocational training programs in Turkish are being offered between May and December 2024 to equip up to 1,000 Turkish Cypriots with green and digital skills.
Nurses in Cyprus are often treated with contempt despite being the cornerstone of the health system. There are significant shortages of nurses and midwives in the country, and efforts are being made to attract, recruit, and retain them. The government has expressed support for nurses, but there are concerns about reducing the number of training hours for nurses, which could endanger patient safety and infringe upon their human rights. Cypriot nurses’ EU freedom of movement may be jeopardized if the directive is discarded.
Chestertons Global has expanded into the Cyprus property market with the launch of Chestertons Cyprus Residential, which will operate out of two premises in Paphos.
The lack of newborn screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Cyprus has resulted in Konstantinos Efraim’s irreversible condition, according to his father Pantelis Costa. Despite eventually receiving treatment, bureaucratic hurdles and delays in care have put Konstantinos at risk, with the family facing financial hardship and relying on friends and relatives for support. The Costas have been pleading for home care and nursing assistance, but have faced alleged mockery from officials. Costa plans to take legal action against the state for the absence of newborn screening and inadequate home care services.