Nicosia, Cyprus. Members of the House health committee on Thursday called for further modernisation of public hospitals as they discussed the annual budget of the state health services organisation, Okypy. Political parties said the sustainability of the general health system (Gesy) depends on a strong public sector.
Disy calls for hospital autonomy
Disy MP Charalambos Pazaros said the party’s priority was safeguarding Gesy’s future. He said the administrative and financial autonomy of public hospitals should be promoted and called for the action plan for autonomy to be completed on schedule to improve patient care and avoid double costs for the public through both contributions and state sponsorship.
Referring to Okypy’s €780 million budget, Pazaros said that every investment in health is an investment in the dignity of citizens.
Akel raises concerns over staffing and planning
Akel MP Marina Nikolaou said she was concerned about declining real revenues despite what she described as a balanced budget, warning that any weakening of public hospitals would directly affect public health. She said public hospitals must be the backbone of Gesy and pointed to understaffing and a reduction of mental health services.
Nikolaou also criticised delays in developing oncology centres and transplant units, describing them as signs of insufficient planning. She said Akel would support the budget only after receiving clear information on Okypy’s strategic planning, adding that without a specific plan and vision, autonomy becomes uncertain.
Diko cites strain from population growth
Diko MP Chrysanthos Savvides said there had been progress but that a burgeoning population had left hospitals struggling to cope. He said hospitals that were once first-class could no longer respond due to what he described as a population explosion, citing the management of Larnaca and Paphos general hospital as an example.
What steps do you think are most urgent to strengthen public hospitals under Gesy?
