Cypriot parliament approves 14.5 million euro redistribution to OKYPY

On November 5, 2026, the Cypriot Parliament approved the redistribution of 14.5 million euros to the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY) to cover budget overruns for 2025. This decision, passed with 31 votes in favor and six against, does not alter the total spending limit of the approved budget. The dissenting votes came from members of the ALMA movement and DIKO deputies Chrysanthos Savvidis and Zacharias Koulias.

The session was marked by intense criticism regarding the organization's administrative performance and fiscal management. Specific concerns were raised by Odysseas Michaelides, leader of the ALMA movement, regarding high physician salaries, including one case involving 320,000 euros annually. Additionally, deputy Chrysanthos Savvidis highlighted systemic failures, noting a patient who was assigned an appointment for April 2028. Legislative members debated the sustainability of public health services, citing ongoing issues with overtime payments, long waiting lists at state hospitals, and delays in the institutional autonomy of medical facilities.

While the funding was secured to ensure the continuation of daily operations, the vote reflects a broader legislative skepticism concerning internal oversight at OKYPY. Lawmakers remain deeply divided on how to address the structural inefficiencies within the public health sector.