Paphos residents warn of action over hospital canteen and director delays

Paphos, Cyprus. Residents have warned of possible action over continuing delays at Paphos general hospital, where the canteen has remained closed for six years and an executive director has not been appointed.

Despite health ministry assurances since April that action would be taken on both issues, no substantial progress has been reported.

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Parliamentary question

Diko MP Chrysanthos Savvides has submitted a parliamentary question to Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides seeking an update on the recruitment process for an executive director.

He asked whether the selection procedure has been completed, what stages remain and when an appointment is expected.

The appointment is intended to give Paphos general hospital greater administrative autonomy from Limassol hospital.

Canteen closure

Savvides criticised the continued closure of the canteen, saying that “for six years now, Okypy has been making fun of us with the canteen issue”.

He said he had warned that if the canteen was not reopened by September, “we will go and open it ourselves”.

Savvides also said the hospital’s toilets were closed and that visitors had limited access to basic refreshments.

Tender plans

Authorities have previously indicated that a new tender would be issued for the canteen with revised terms and lower rent to attract operators.

Some interest has reportedly been expressed, although potential operators are understood to have concerns about visitor numbers and the business’s viability.

Savvides also highlighted delays in creating the executive director post, despite a legislative proposal having been made a year ago.