Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ healthcare system is operating under sustained pressure due to a structural shortage of nurses, Oev said, warning that delays in workforce reforms are affecting both private hospitals and services under Gesy.
Oev warning at annual meeting
Speaking at the federation’s annual general meeting in Nicosia, Oev president George Pantelides said “the system remains exposed due to reliance on limited labour supply and regulatory constraints,” and called for “targeted and coordinated policy responses” to stabilise staffing levels across healthcare services.
Impact on service delivery and estimated shortfall
The federation said unresolved staffing gaps are already affecting service delivery in both public and private healthcare structures.
Healthcare providers and employer organisations estimate a shortfall of at least 580 nurses across the system, with some sector assessments indicating higher figures when rehabilitation, community care and palliative services are included.
Comparative staffing data
European comparative data referenced during the event placed Cyprus at approximately four to five nurses per 1,000 inhabitants, below the EU average of eight to nine.
The nurse-to-doctor ratio in Cyprus remains close to 1:1, significantly lower than the European average of more than 2.5 nurses per doctor.
Private sector concerns
Private healthcare providers have reported that shortages are already affecting operational capacity.
Private hospitals association (Pasin) president Marios Karaiskakis previously said “the lack of nurses is an endemic issue across the healthcare sector,” citing retirements, expanding service demand and limited recruitment pools as contributing factors.
Legislative reforms on recruiting foreign nurses
Oev has criticised delays in legislative reforms intended to allow the controlled recruitment of nurses from third countries.
Proposed amendments under parliamentary discussion would permit foreign nurses under regulated conditions, including a cap of 10 per cent of staff per facility, Greek language requirements, and restrictions on senior clinical roles.
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