Health ministry maps centres carrying out high-risk treatments

Nicosia, Cyprus. The health ministry on Thursday began mapping medical centres performing high-risk treatments, following instructions issued by Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides earlier this week. The ministry said the exercise was expected to produce results quickly.

Mapping exercise

The ministry said internal meetings would determine the scope of the mapping exercise and those responsible for carrying it out.

Under existing legislation, oversight of private hospitals is the responsibility of the health ministry’s superintendent of private hospitals.

Medical association action

The Pancyprian Medical Association (CyMA) issues licences to practise medicine in Cyprus based on documentation issued by the health ministry’s medical council, following examination of qualifications and certificates submitted by doctors seeking to practise in the country.

CyMA said it would mobilise its members through alerts encouraging them to help identify unlicensed practitioners and improper medical practices.

Under existing legislation, the association refers cases requiring investigation to the relevant state authorities and, where necessary, the police.

Public reporting

CyMA said it was awaiting information from the health ministry and would begin the relevant procedures if the mapping exercise identified issues within its remit.

Following its recent administrative restructuring, the association said it was seeking to implement council decisions in a more organised manner, including measures addressing individual cases that could tarnish the reputation of the medical profession in Cyprus.

CyMA referred to a joint 2025 campaign with the health ministry that raised awareness of the risks of cosmetic medical procedures performed by unqualified individuals.

The association also called on the public to report suspected cases so that complaints could be investigated and substantiated.