New bill proposed to standardize health certificate issuance in Cyprus

The Ministry of Health of Cyprus has launched a public consultation regarding the proposed bill titled 'The Health Certificate Issuance Law of 2026'. The initiative aims to replace the current fragmented system with a unified legal framework, establishing clear procedures for issuing health certificates required for employment, professional licensing, and public health oversight.

The current system relies on a complex mix of outdated regulations, directives, and circulars administered by various authorities. As the number of government physicians has declined following the establishment of the State Health Services Organization, authorities are seeking to streamline the process. The proposed bill will clarify mandatory health certifications, define the qualifications of authorized issuing physicians, determine certificate validity periods, and establish an Appeals Committee to handle disputes and suspensions.

Interested parties and stakeholders, including the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB), are invited to review the proposal and submit feedback via the electronic 'e-Consultation' platform. The public consultation process will remain open until September 15, 2026, marking a significant step toward improving administrative efficiency and ensuring the reliability of health credentials for thousands of professionals in public-facing roles.