Cyprus health minister aims to address nursing staff shortages

Cypriot Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides announced his intention to consult directly with inactive nurses to understand why they have left the profession. This initiative follows recent revelations at the House Health Committee, where it was reported that approximately 1,450 trained nurses are currently not practicing in Cyprus, with nearly 1,000 of them under the age of 40. The minister acknowledged that low pay and poor working conditions are likely contributing factors to this ongoing shortage.

Charalambides emphasized the necessity of these discussions to record experiences and address the staffing gaps that currently prevent some hospital beds from operating. Meanwhile, DISY MP Charalambos Pazaros highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the health system remains under heavy pressure and will face even greater demand as new healthcare developments proceed in the coming years.

To mitigate immediate pressures on the general health system, the ministry has submitted bills to parliament to allow for the controlled hiring of roughly 150 nurses from outside the European Union. This measure is intended as a temporary fix while the government seeks long-term strategies to incentivize young local professionals to enter or remain in the nursing field.