Ministry of health reviews air ambulance acquisition and patient support schemes

During the discussion of the 2027 health ministry budget on November 6, 2026, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides announced that the government is evaluating the potential purchase of a dedicated aircraft for medical airlifts. This proposal, initially raised by DISY MP Savia Orphanidou, remains under assessment, with the final decision contingent on a thorough analysis of actual patient needs and total demand for transportation abroad.

In addition to transport logistics, the ministry is reviewing the financial support scheme for families of patients receiving treatment abroad. Currently, families with an annual income exceeding €100,000 are ineligible for state assistance. The ministry is considering removing all income-based criteria and introducing advance payments to ease the economic burden on families. Regarding medical continuity, Minister Charalambides affirmed that patients should be allowed to continue receiving treatment from their specialized doctors abroad, provided there is sufficient medical documentation proving such specialized care is unavailable within Cyprus.

The ministry is currently conducting assessments to determine the feasibility of these proposals, with no specific timeline provided for final implementation.