Nicosia, Cyprus. The Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev) expressed disappointment and concern over the House health committee’s postponement of examining amendments intended to facilitate the employment of nurses from third countries. Oev said the delay risks worsening existing staff shortages in the healthcare system.
Postponed examination of proposed amendments
Oev said the proposed amendments were submitted by the Health Ministry to address staff shortages by easing procedures for recruiting nurses from outside the European Union. The federation said that, amid serious shortages of nursing staff, the lack of decisions that could alleviate the problem is causing dissatisfaction among healthcare service providers.
Concerns over impact on healthcare delivery
The federation said healthcare providers believe the delay undermines efforts to address workforce gaps that are already affecting the delivery of medical services. Oev said it was particularly worried that, instead of the government bill being examined and approved by parliament, trade union pressures prevailed over patients’ access to quality healthcare and the need to ensure the smooth functioning of the system.
Warnings and planned sector meeting
Oev said the development raises concerns about the future stability of healthcare services if staffing shortages remain unresolved, and warned the situation could lead to restrictions in healthcare services or the suspension of operations at certain clinics and medical institutions. The federation said it has repeatedly warned about the consequences of the continuing shortage of nursing staff and the risks to the functioning of healthcare providers.
Oev said it will immediately convene a broad meeting of healthcare sector organisations affected by nursing shortages to assess the situation, discuss challenges, and determine next steps and measures.
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