patients ombudsman — Marios Charalambides has been appointed as the first patients’ ombudsman in Cyprus, marking a significant milestone for the healthcare system.
- patients ombudsman — Marios Charalambides has been appointed as the first patients’ ombudsman in Cyprus, marking a significant milestone for the healthcare system.
The cabinet made the announcement on Wednesday, and Health Minister Michalis Damianos expressed his enthusiasm, calling it a historic day for public health. “With the decision of the Council of Ministers to appoint Marios Charalambides to the position of the first patients’ ombudsman, we are establishing an institution that gives voice, power and protection to every resident,” he stated.
By creating this role, the government aims to enhance the transparency and credibility of the healthcare system. Damianos highlighted the importance of respecting patients’ rights, stating that the new ombudsman will serve as an independent body capable of defending those rights effectively. This initiative has been a longstanding request from the Federation of Cyprus Patients’ Associations (OSAK), advocating for a structure that would improve the health system substantially.
Organised patients have long sought an effective means to voice their concerns, and the establishment of the ombudsman position is seen as a vital step towards achieving that goal. Charalambides’ appointment is expected to foster a more accountable healthcare environment.
In parallel to this development, the cabinet has approved a budget exceeding €100 million aimed at modernising existing services and creating new ones. This budget will also fund staff training and support counselling for individuals with disabilities. President Nikos Christodoulides remarked on the importance of this funding, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment to reform and improvement in services for citizens with disabilities.
“Following the major reform we have undertaken, for the first time a reform that concerns our citizens with disabilities is being implemented,” he said. Christodoulides emphasised that these financial allocations are part of the government’s genuine concern for the welfare state, intertwining health, education, and social support as integral components of a robust economy.
