Cyprus Medical Association investigates mass sick leave for prison officers

The Cyprus Medical Association (PIS) has appointed an investigating officer to examine allegations regarding excessive sick leave granted to prison staff. Minister of Justice and Public Order, Constantinos Fytiris, formally submitted a list of ten doctors to the association after discovering that 54 prison officers—including 38 guards, 12 chief wardens, and four officers—accumulated a total of 5,548 days of sick leave during the first seven months of 2026. This data specifically accounts for cases where leave exceeded 42 days, suggesting a significant administrative or health-related concern within the Department of Prisons.

Two of the ten physicians involved are currently facing criminal investigations alongside the disciplinary probe conducted by the PIS. Meanwhile, Minister Fytiris is taking steps to address broader staffing shortages within the prison service. During a visit to the newly reopened Prison Guard School, he noted that only 44 of the 90 available positions were filled by trainees. To combat the insufficient interest in the roles, the Ministry plans to reopen applications and expand eligibility to European citizens, including Greeks, to ensure the essential security needs of the facility are met.