OSAK calls for reform of restrictions in the Cyprus Health System

Charalambos Papadopoulos, president of the Cyprus Federation of Patients' Associations (OSAK), recently highlighted the need to revise administrative restrictions within the General Health System (Gesy). Now that the system has been in operation for seven years, OSAK argues that policies initially implemented to curb abuses are causing operational distortions. According to Papadopoulos, restrictions on prescribing medications and issuing referrals for diagnostic tests were justified at the system's inception to manage high demand. However, he stated that these measures have since multiplied, leading to increased waiting lists and unnecessary referrals to specialists. The organization emphasizes that while it continues to support the fundamental structure of the health system, current protocols hinder patient access and create inefficiencies for both medical professionals and the public. OSAK maintains its commitment to protecting the character of the reform while advocating for these necessary procedural adjustments.