Nicosia, Cyprus. The patients’ union Osak has received complaints concerning the conduct of personal doctors within the general health system, Gesy, its president Miltos Miltiadous said on Monday. He said isolated cases of improper behaviour must be addressed, while overall satisfaction with the institution remains high.
Referral and patient list complaints
Miltiadous said Osak had received both recent and earlier complaints relating to the management of beneficiaries by specific personal doctors.
Among the reports were complaints from beneficiaries who said they had been removed from a personal doctor’s list after requesting a referral. Others said doctors had refused to issue referrals, citing either a lack of medical justification or restrictions set by the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO).
“In isolated cases, improper behaviour has been observed, which for us as a federation is unacceptable,” Miltiadous said.
Review of regulations
Miltiadous described the personal doctor as the pillar of the system, saying Gesy had been built around that role and that measures were needed to address the issues raised.
He said Osak had raised concerns through meetings and public interventions, including the need to review certain regulations affecting doctors and patients with chronic conditions.
Some restrictions introduced during the early implementation of the health system had been necessary to prevent abuse, he said, but now required reassessment.
Responsible use of services
Miltiadous called on patients to use health services responsibly, saying Gesy belongs to everyone and its proper use is important for future generations.
He added that Osak would continue working with the HIO and beneficiaries to improve the operation of the system.