Residents of mountain communities have voiced distress over the retirement of the sole remaining paediatrician at Troodos Hospital, leaving around 300 children in the area without medical care for those specialities. In a letter to the State Health Services Organisation (SHSO) on Monday, the residents said they were informed in March that one of the two paediatricians at the hospital was retiring, yet no steps were taken to replace them before the second one also retired at the end of May.
“We are puzzled by the delay, as we believe that you should have immediately proceeded with the announcement of one of the two positions,” the letter stated. “Unfortunately, at this moment, Troodos Hospital is left without a paediatrician, leaving our approximately 300 children without medical coverage.”
Community Concerns and Urgent Plea
The residents have urged the State Health Services Organisation to take immediate action to fill the vacant position to ensure proper medical care for the children. The letter emphasized the critical nature of paediatric services, especially in remote areas where access to specialized healthcare is already limited. The residents warned they may have to take “more drastic measures” if swift action is not taken by SHSO to fill the vacant position.
In response, SHSO said all necessary procedures are being carried out to replace the retired paediatrician at the remote mountain hospital. However, the community remains skeptical and anxious, given the time-sensitive nature of healthcare needs for children.
The situation has highlighted broader issues within rural healthcare systems, where staffing shortages can lead to significant gaps in essential services. The residents’ plea serves as a stark reminder of the importance of timely and proactive measures in maintaining healthcare standards, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children.
As the community awaits a resolution, their collective voice underscores a universal truth: access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and ensuring it requires both diligence and urgency from those in charge.
