Patient safety risks identified in Cyprus healthcare referral system

A new report released on September 29, 2026, by Patient Ombudsman Marios Charalambidis highlights systemic failures in the referral and transfer processes within the Cyprus Health System (GeSY). The investigation, which mapped 23 typical patient scenarios, found that the current framework is deficient in 12 cases, potentially violating patient rights. Another six scenarios were deemed critical due to lack of clarity regarding responsibilities during transitions between medical institutions, with only five scenarios currently meeting legal standards.

The core issue identified is the lack of a clear legal mechanism for transferring medical responsibility from one provider to another. While the law mandates continuity of care, it fails to specify when the receiving institution officially assumes control. According to Health Insurance Organization (OAY) data, approximately 380 hospitalizations per month involve transfers, but the true scope of the problem remains obscured by a lack of data on service refusals and provider disputes. The report concludes that this legal vacuum affects both public and private providers, necessitating urgent coordination improvements to ensure patients are not left without care during transfers.