WHO report criticizes the operation and funding of Cyprus's health system

A report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, dated July 6, 2026, has identified significant systemic weaknesses in the operation of the General Health System (GHS) in Cyprus. The study highlights that the current funding model, which relies heavily on historical expenditure, creates financial incentives that encourage the overprovision of low-value specialist medical services rather than focusing on quality or patient outcomes.

The report specifically criticizes the role of the personal physician, noting that they fail to act as the effective gatekeeper and care coordinator of the system. This leads to an excessive number of referrals and diagnostic tests, which increases costs and undermines the primary care infrastructure. According to the ALMA movement and data from the Patient Rights Observatory of the Cyprus Federation of Patients’ Associations, citizens are experiencing the consequences through reduced service quality, limited access to care, and longer waiting times.

Experts suggest that the Health Insurance Organization (HIO) must redesign its financing mechanisms to ensure resources are aligned with actual health needs. The findings call for urgent structural changes to address these distortions and restore confidence in primary healthcare, though the sources do not specify a timeline for potential legislative or administrative reforms.