Cyprus considers tighter health service controls and penalties for unauthorised medical practice

Nicosia, Cyprus. Stronger cooperation, tighter controls on health services and harsher penalties for impersonating medical professionals were discussed at a meeting at the presidential palace on Monday. President Nikos Christodoulides met Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides and representatives of the Pancyprian Medical Association (CyMA).

Legislative changes discussed

“Health, like education, is among the most important sectors in which we invest as a state,” Christodoulides said, adding that this was reflected in the state budget.

Citing a source familiar with the matter, the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) reported that one of the amendments discussed concerned the unauthorised practice of medicine by non-medical professionals. The change would require an amendment to existing legislation and is likely to follow the model introduced in Greece.

The meeting also addressed the issue of doctors who are qualified in other countries but are not licensed to practise in Cyprus.

Cooperation on health policy

CyMA president Petros Agathangelou described the meeting as “useful and highly constructive”. He said discussions covered current developments and broader issues concerning the implementation and safeguarding of national health policies.

The aim, he said, was to use the expertise of CyMA and its members to develop evidence-based health strategies and policies that ensure the effectiveness, safety and quality of healthcare services.

Oversight of alternative therapy centres

Agathangelou said work was already under way with the health ministry to monitor and address issues involving so-called “alternative therapies” and centres offering such services that had recently come to light.

Such practices had “the potential to lead to adverse outcomes and even endanger patients’ lives”, he added.

Asked about Christodoulides’ position, Agathangelou described it as “highly supportive”, saying the president had expressed the government’s backing for the necessary legislative measures.

According to Agathangelou, the health ministry has completed the mapping of the medical centres in question and has proceeded with meetings with relevant state bodies to coordinate efforts and introduce new regulations where necessary.