Justice Minister initiates plan to regulate public sector sick leave abuse

Cyprus Minister of Justice Costas Fytiris has announced plans to introduce a bill to Parliament aimed at curbing the abuse of sick leave in the public sector. The minister met with Dr. Petros Agathangelou, president of the Pancyprian Medical Association, to discuss reports from the Audit Office and other government services regarding irregularities. The Ministry emphasized the need for objective and ethical medical practices while maintaining a constructive dialogue with the medical community. The proposal seeks to protect genuinely ill individuals while addressing identified systemic distortions in the granting and monitoring of sick leave. Minister Fytiris has urged doctors to issue sick leave more sparingly and warned that evidence of illegal activity would lead to formal inquiries. The Audit Office has already referred details concerning certain doctors to the Law Office following an investigation conducted within the prison system. The government remains committed to implementing institutional procedures to ensure accountability among all stakeholders.