Advancements in Cyprus Healthcare Legislation
In a significant move towards enhancing patient rights, the Ministry of Health in Cyprus has taken a pivotal step by submitting a draft law for the establishment and operation of the Patient Advocate institution. This announcement was made by Health Minister Michalis Damianos during a press conference marking one year of Nicos Christodoulides’ governance.
The draft law, which has been under consultation for over six years, is expected to be presented to Parliament within the next month. This comes after previous amendments to the law sparked controversy among patient groups, who felt the changes were undermining the institution’s integrity.
Additionally, the Health Minister discussed the progress of other critical healthcare legislation. A draft law concerning rehabilitation and therapy centres, which was initially submitted and then withdrawn from Parliament in June 2023, is anticipated to be re-submitted next June following further consultations.
Moreover, a draft law on the operation of University Hospitals and University Clinics is currently undergoing re-consultation before it undergoes legal scrutiny. The ministry aims to resubmit this legislation to Parliament within 2024.
The regulation of paramedics is also on the agenda, with a draft law already under legal scrutiny and expected to be brought before Parliament in June. This is part of a broader legislative push that includes pending laws on palliative care services, clinical laboratories, and the operation of medical facilities, all slated for submission to Parliament within 2024.
Lastly, the Health Minister touched upon the draft law governing ambulances and the establishment of a relevant Authority. Following intense debates last summer between the Ministries of Health and Finance, this draft law is planned for submission within the year, reflecting the government’s ongoing deliberations on the issue.
These legislative efforts underscore Cyprus’s commitment to modernizing its healthcare system and addressing long-standing regulatory needs across various medical services sectors.
