Patient advocates call for simplified access to specialized medications in Cyprus

On September 4, 2026, the Cyprus Federation of Patients' Associations (OSAK) called for the abolition of individual named requests for medication access to ensure patients receive their treatments without bureaucratic delays. Dimitris Lamprianidis, the federation's spokesperson, stated that the current process particularly burdens patients requiring treatments for diabetes and obesity, citing significant delays in the approval of these specific requests.

In response, the Health Insurance Organization (HIO) acknowledged the delays, explaining that the high volume of applications for obesity treatment is being managed through a strict priority system. The HIO confirmed that it is working intensively to include anti-obesity medications in the General Healthcare System (GeSY) product list. This move aims to eliminate the need for individual requests, thereby facilitating easier and faster access for citizens. While the HIO emphasizes that timely treatment access remains a top priority, current administrative bottlenecks continue to affect patient drug supply.