Cyprus ministers agree on measures to improve forensic and patient transport services

On September 25, 2026, the Ministers of Justice and Public Order, Costas Fytiris, and Health, Neophytos Charalambides, along with Commissioner for Legislation Sofia Cleopa-Hatzikyriacou, held a meeting to address systemic issues within the police and medical sectors. The discussion focused on persistent delays in prisoner medical examinations, the management of psychiatric patients, and the centralized operation of the forensic service.

Key decisions include the implementation of priority examinations for prisoners at Accident and Emergency Departments (TAEP), the reservation of dedicated police parking spaces at hospitals, and the construction of secure detention facilities within public medical centers to prevent police officers from spending excessive time on custodial duties. Furthermore, officials plan to modernize the Coronial Inquest Law and initiate the gradual reopening of provincial mortuaries—starting with Limassol—to reduce the logistical burden of transporting remains to Nicosia.

These measures respond to recent reports of psychiatric patients being held in patrol cars while awaiting medical attention and concerns regarding the potential degradation of forensic evidence due to transport delays. The government aims to resolve these operational bottlenecks to improve both administrative efficiency and service quality for citizens.