Mounjaro added to Cyprus General Health System for diabetes and obesity treatment

As of October 15, 2026, the drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been officially included in the Cyprus General Health System (GHS) list of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and adult obesity. This transition eliminates the need for individual named-patient requests, which were previously assessed by specialized committees. Instead, healthcare providers can now seek reimbursement through an electronic pre-approval process based on standardized therapeutic protocols.

Eligibility criteria are strictly defined: for obesity, patients must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI between 35 and 40 accompanied by cardiovascular disease or moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. For type 2 diabetes, the Health Insurance Organization (HIO) mandates that Ozempic (semaglutide) remains the first-choice therapy regardless of body weight. Mounjaro will initially be distributed exclusively through hospital pharmacies, while Ozempic remains available at standard pharmacies. Specialists in endocrinology, internal medicine, geriatrics, and designated general practitioners are authorized to prescribe these medications.

Between January 2025 and August 2026, the HIO received 1,747 requests for Mounjaro involving 972 patients, with 238 of the 422 reviewed requests being approved. Existing approvals under the previous system remain valid and will transition to the new framework, ensuring continuity for patients already receiving treatment.