Nicosia, Cyprus. The federation of patients’ associations, Osak, said it is concerned about the protection of the general health system (Gesy) following complaints about inadequate care, services and inappropriate behaviour by health professionals.
Osak cites complaints and oversight concerns
Osak said protection and control mechanisms are not functioning effectively in a country with the lowest rates of unmet health needs and a system that can ensure universal access to health services.
The federation said it received 20 complaints in January and urged healthcare providers to prioritise patients’ needs and recognise their vulnerable position.
Barriers to investigations and calls for responsible handling
Osak said that in many cases patients may file a complaint but do not wish to initiate a formal investigation, which is required to proceed with an examination and attribute responsibility where necessary.
“The responsibility is collective,” Osak said, adding that uncontrolled attacks against hospitals and professionals, drawing conclusions before completing investigations, or even before officially filing complaints, do not constitute good information practices.
Requests to HIO and health ministry
Osak called on the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) to implement necessary measures, including new policies and relevant improvements, to protect both patients and the general health system.
It also appealed to the health ministry to effectively exercise its supervisory role.
Case at Larnaca general hospital
On Monday, the daughter of a 92-year-old man who died after eight days in Larnaca general hospital raised serious concerns over his care and called for government intervention.
She described “tragic shortcomings, lack of communication and dangerous omissions” during his stay.
What steps should authorities take to ensure complaints about care in Gesy are investigated effectively?