Delays in approval for diabetes medication by the Health Insurance Organisation

Patients and doctors in Cyprus are reporting significant delays in the approval of injectable diabetes medications by the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO). These delays affect requests for initial treatment, dosage adjustments, and the continuation of existing therapies. In one documented instance, a doctor waited three months for a dosage change approval, which was only granted following a formal complaint. Another physician currently has six pending requests submitted four weeks ago, covering various stages of treatment. Doctors report that these delays force patients to interrupt treatment or continue using unsuitable dosages, potentially endangering their health. Furthermore, clinicians have noted inconsistencies in HIO approval timelines, comparing the slow processing of diabetes medication to faster approvals for other medical items or cholesterol medication. The HIO has not yet provided a response to these specific reports regarding systemic delays.