Accra:More than 500 complaints and requests were recorded by Cyprus' Patient Rights Officers in the first four months of their operation. These complaints, submitted between May 1 and August 31, 2026, were noted for issues related to quality of care, waiting times, and unnecessary inconvenience, according to Patient Ombudsman Marios Charalambides.

According to Cyprus News Agency, there were 293 written complaints and 241 verbal requests during this period, with the written complaints containing 843 references to potential violations of patients' rights. Approximately 20% of these written complaints were related to Accident and Emergency (A and E) departments.

Ombudsman Charalambides emphasized that while the complaints mechanism serves as a useful tool, it represents only one aspect of understanding patients' rights in Cyprus. He noted that public engagement with the mechanism has begun and anticipates increased usage over time.

Quality of care emerged as the most frequent issue in written complaints, with 98 references, or 33%, often involving negligence and service standards rather than just medical errors. Other significant concerns included respect for patients' time with 88 references and unnecessary inconvenience with 80 references.

Charalambides highlighted ongoing issues in A and E departments, particularly in patient transfers and services received. Nearly half of A and E-related complaints were about unnecessary inconvenience and pain, and he stressed the importance of keeping patients informed during their wait.

Information provision was a concern in 71 written complaints, or 24%. Charalambides stated that communication must be clear and adapted to each patient€š¬€ž¢s needs, ensuring they understand the information provided before consenting to treatment. He acknowledged cases where patients consented without full understanding.

The data revealed that 62% of written complaints and 58% of verbal requests were against the public sector. Charalambides advised caution in comparing public and private sectors due to differences in patient volumes and services.

District Complaints Review Committees began operation on October 1, allowing patients dissatisfied with initial responses to seek further review. Charalambides concluded by emphasizing the interconnected nature of health sector issues and the necessity for cooperation in addressing them.