Study reveals significant nursing staff shortages in Cyprus

A study commissioned by the Cypriot Ministry of Health, conducted by Professor Yiannis Yfantopoulos, has formally identified a persistent shortage of nursing staff in Cyprus. These findings were recently presented to members of parliament. The report indicates a current deficit of 586 nurses, based on 2025 data showing 6,272 available personnel against a demand for 6,858. Notably, these projections do not account for additional nursing needs arising from new legislation regarding palliative and home-based care for chronic or elderly patients.

Projections suggest the shortage will persist for the next decade, with a projected deficit of 411 nurses expected by 2030, when 7,158 nurses are forecast to be available against a need for 7,569. The study suggests the situation will begin to improve significantly from 2035 onwards, eventually leading to a projected surplus of 2,678 nurses by 2055. The report was submitted to the Ministry of Health in two stages, initially accounting for hospitals with operating licenses at the time the study began. The current findings serve as a critical baseline for health sector workforce planning as the country moves forward with implementing new healthcare frameworks.