Delays in state medical assistance payments for families of ill children in Cyprus

Families of children with serious illnesses in Cyprus are facing delays of up to one year in receiving state medical assistance payments. Marios Kouloumas, honorary president of the Cyprus Federation of Patients’ Associations (OSAK), reported that these administrative delays are causing significant financial hardship, forcing some parents to risk their employment or declare mental illness to maintain their livelihoods. The Ministry of Health has acknowledged the issue, citing understaffing within the responsible department as the primary cause. Notable cases include a family in the United States waiting over a year for their allowance despite submitting applications on time, and another family in Germany who received funds only after an intervention by a member of parliament. Those who are not civil servants are particularly vulnerable to job loss while awaiting the release of these critical allowances and Guaranteed Minimum Income payments. Both families receiving treatment abroad and those remaining in Cyprus are currently affected by these systemic delays.