Debate on the university clinics bill continues in the Cypriot parliament

The parliamentary Health Committee in Cyprus is currently reviewing a bill regarding the establishment and operation of university clinics in state hospitals. During a recent session, significant disagreements emerged between the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY) and the Cyprus Association of Private Hospitals (PASIN). Marios Karaiskakis, president of PASIN, expressed support for the bill provided that private hospitals are substantively included in the framework, particularly regarding the training of medical specialists and the removal of requirements like the operation of emergency departments (TAEP). Conversely, Kypros Stavrides, executive director of OKYPY, strongly opposed expanding medical specialization training to private clinics, citing concerns over quality standards and the potential for fragmented healthcare services. Health Minister Neofytos Charalambidis has called for continued study of the bill, promising that the Ministry will examine the objections and present proposals for potential amendments before the next meeting. It is uncertain whether the bill will be passed by the current parliament before the end of the year. Public doctors also remain opposed to the current version of the proposal, adding to the complexity of the legislative process.