EKYSY discusses healthcare issues with the Cypriot Minister of Health

The Union of Cypriot Pensioners (EKYSY) held a meeting with Minister of Health Neophytos Charalambidis on Thursday, March 26, to address persistent healthcare challenges. A primary concern raised was the rising cost of medications under the General Healthcare System (GeSY). The organization argued that pensioners can no longer absorb additional financial burdens and demanded immediate corrective measures. Furthermore, EKYSY proposed that non-prescription drugs be covered by the state system and requested the removal of age restrictions for free preventive health screenings. Other demands included increased subsidies for hearing aids, the establishment of geriatric clinics, improved access to rehabilitation centers, and better service in hospital emergency departments. Additionally, the union highlighted critical staffing shortages in rural health centers, specifically citing the facilities in Polis Chrysochous, Kato Pyrgos, and Agros. The union emphasized that these problems have remained unresolved despite multiple prior interventions with both past and current governments.