Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades stressed on Friday the determination of the Government to deal with the abuses and other problems of General Healthcare System (GeSY), in a meeting with the competent Ministers and bodies for GeSY that took place on Friday at the Presidential Palace.
According to a written statement by Deputy Government Spokeswoman Niovi Parisinou, during the meeting, the President stressed the Government’s determination to address problems that have been observed, mainly related to system abuses that lead to an increase in health expenditure and affect the level and the quality of medical care provided.
President Anastasiades also stressed the need for the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) to implement effective control mechanisms as soon as possible in order to minimise system abuses.
Participants in the meeting agreed to prepare a specific timetable for the implementation of control mechanisms which will be discussed at a new meeting to be convened by the President of the Republic after Easter.
According to data, public health expenditures in 2021, including pandemic expenditures, are estimated to have increased by 1.4% of GDP from 6% in 2020 to 7.4% of GDP in 2021, the statement also points out.
The meeting also discussed the provision of inpatient health care to GESY beneficiaries from doctors outside GESY, that work in hospitals which have a contract with HIO. President Anastasiades asked for a circular to be sent immediately in order to end that practice.
The meeting also discussed the progress of the process for autonomy and sustainability of public hospitals and the implementation of development projects by State Health Service Organisation.
President Anastasiades asked for the preparation of a specific action plan on the basis of timetables that include mechanisms for control, organization and operation of public hospitals.
Parisinou also said that the President of the Republic stressed once again his determination to protect GESY, the greatest social reform for the citizens.
Source: Cyprus News Agency