Mounjaro added to the Cypriot General Health System (Gesy)

Starting October 15, 2026, the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) of Cyprus has added the medication Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to the General Health System (Gesy). This update simplifies the prescription process, replacing individual named-patient requests with a centralized pre-approval system managed via the electronic platform based on established clinical protocols. The drug is authorized for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity in adults, with specific eligibility requirements for each condition.

For obesity, patients must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI between 35 and 40 accompanied by diagnosed sleep apnea or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Regarding type 2 diabetes, the HIO notes that Ozempic remains the first-line treatment choice regardless of body weight. The prescribing of these medications is restricted to specific specialists, including endocrinologists, general practitioners, internists, and geriatricians. Furthermore, as a temporary measure, the medication will be available exclusively through hospital pharmacies.

These protocols were introduced to manage high demand and prevent misuse of weight-loss medication. The HIO emphasizes that while the drugs offer significant health benefits, they must be administered under strict medical supervision and verified criteria to ensure patient safety and resource allocation.