Addressing Corruption and Enhancing Transparency in Cyprus’ Health System
In a recent move to safeguard the integrity of Cyprus’ General Health System (Gesy), the Cyprus Integrity Forum (CIF) has urged for consistent and rigorous checks to prevent corruption and promote transparency within the health system. A manifesto titled ‘Transparency and Fighting Corruption in the Health Care System’ encapsulates the CIF’s concerns and recommendations following a roundtable discussion with key stakeholders.
Dr. Stelios Hadjichristofi, a member of the CIF, expressed apprehension over the lack of healthcare transparency, particularly criticizing the legal restrictions placed on the Gesy supervisor, which prevent the publication of reports that could otherwise aid in mitigating corruption. The CIF believes that making such information public would be a significant step towards diminishing potential abuses by both medical professionals and beneficiaries alike.
The CIF’s scrutiny extends to the health insurance organisation (HIO) and the health ministry, citing their incomplete control measures and ambiguous legislation as contributing factors to the system’s opacity. A recent audit of the HIO by the Audit Office of the Republic of Cyprus yielded unsatisfactory results, further highlighting the need for improvement.
Moreover, concerns were raised about the absence of oversight regarding diagnostic machines and medical equipment in diagnostic centers, including instances of negligence. The CIF also pointed out the leniency in enforcing existing legislation and the frequent exploitation of control procedures as areas ripe for corruption within Gesy.
Lastly, the CIF emphasized the importance of establishing a clear account of healthcare expenditure and called for systematic performance audits of professionals and medical infrastructures. This measure is seen as crucial for ensuring that operations are not only financially sustainable but also meet quality standards that citizens can trust.
Overall, the CIF’s manifesto serves as a call to action for immediate and effective reforms to prevent the potential financial and qualitative collapse of Cyprus’ health system, with a strong focus on fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
