Nicosia, Cyprus. The employers’ union OEV said it has been authorised to take all necessary measures, including postponing the operation of private hospitals, pending developments in understaffing. The organisation made the statement on Thursday.
Decision with private hospitals association
OEV said that during a meeting on Wednesday, held with the participation of the association of private hospitals (Pasin), it was decided that measures would be taken to protest what it described as the state’s failure to take immediate decisions to address the lack of nursing staff.
Concerns over patients and hospital viability
OEV said the situation is deteriorating at the cost of patients, public health and the viability of the hospitals.
Previous calls and December meeting
OEV said it has repeatedly called for a solution in recent years and has put forward its own suggestions. It said it participated on December 22, 2025, in a meeting convened by the health minister due to the imminent closing of a private hospital, and that the minister promised to convene another meeting within a month.
Health ministry report from Greece
OEV said that instead of taking immediate decisions, the health ministry commissioned a report from Greece on staffing needs, including in the nurses sector. OEV said the move indicates a lack of understanding of the severity and urgency of the situation.
How should the state respond to the nursing staff shortage in private hospitals?
