Trade unions oppose changes to nurse-to-patient staffing ratios

Cypriot trade unions SEK, PEO, Pasydy, and Pasyno have formally rejected a Health Ministry proposal to amend private hospital legislation by reducing mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios. The ministry argues the move is necessary to manage a systemic deficit of approximately 600 clinical nurses, while unions contend that lower staffing requirements will compromise patient safety and increase professional burnout. Union representatives characterize the proposal as a reduction of healthcare standards rather than a necessary modernization. This follows the ministry's previous failed attempt to address staffing shortages through the recruitment of nurses from third countries, which was also stalled due to union opposition. Unions argue that current workloads are already unsustainable and that legislative focus should shift toward strengthening existing services. The ministry maintains that the changes are intended to address the persistent staffing crisis in the sector. Currently, both primary strategies proposed by the government to mitigate nurse shortages have encountered significant resistance from labor organizations.