PASYKI challenges OKYPY over appointment process for scientific directors

The State Health Services Organization (OKYPY) in Cyprus is facing potential legal action following the controversial selection process for scientific directors in its regions. Sotiris Koumas, president of the Pancyprian Union of Government Doctors (PASYKI) and a clinical director, announced his intention to challenge the decision in court after he was rejected for the scientific director position of the Limassol-Paphos region. Koumas, who was the sole candidate for the role, argued that the process included unauthorized steps, such as a personal interview, and claimed that the organization utilized unacceptable criteria during the evaluation.

In response, OKYPY spokesperson Charalambos Charilaou stated that the Board of Directors retains the final authority to reject candidates regardless of whether there is only one applicant. Furthermore, PASYKI has formally demanded that OKYPY clarify the legal status of the scientific director role, noting that the organization's spokesperson recently characterized the position as purely advisory and non-executive. The union maintains that Article 30 of the organization’s founding law defines the scientific director as a key member of the executive management team, and therefore, the current administrative handling warrants an official explanation to ensure transparency and proper governance within the state health sector.