health ombudsman — The first ombudsman for patients in Cyprus is expected to be appointed within September, according to Health Minister Michael Damianou. The establishment of this new office is in its final stages, with an announcement anticipated within the next two weeks.
Damianou explained that the selection process for the inaugural ombudsman has taken longer than expected due to the significance of the role, which he described as an ’emblematic institution’. The minister clarified that the delay in appointing someone to the post was not due to any inaction from the ministry but rather the President, Nikos Christodoulides, holds the authority to approve the suitable candidate.
In response to concerns regarding oversight of the national health scheme, known as Gesy, the minister reassured that the legal responsibility for this oversight has been transferred to the health ministry. The same staff who previously operated under the former Gesy commissioner will continue to manage complaints and monitor the health system from their existing offices.
“The staff managing complaints and monitoring the health system continue to operate from the same offices with the same equipment,” Damianou stated, emphasising that oversight remains intact, albeit now under the ministry rather than a commissioner.
Further addressing the establishment of the new oversight and control unit within the ministry, Damianou revealed that the director position for this unit has already been advertised. This role is included in the 2026 budget, signifying the government’s commitment to effective health system management. Although no annual report has been released yet, the unit is functioning under the new legal framework, with reports from both the unit and the future patient ombudsman due to be published in accordance with recently amended legislation.
On the infrastructure front, the minister noted that there are no additional costs arising from the transition from the commissioner to the new oversight structure. The offices that were previously occupied by the commissioner will also accommodate the staff overseeing Gesy, the upcoming clinical documentation centre, and the soon-to-be-appointed health ombudsman.
Responding to allegations from the opposition party Akel about a lack of transparency in the new arrangements, Damianou found the criticism to be ‘unfair’. He reiterated that oversight continues to be conducted lawfully and effectively. “The same staff remain in place, and the work continues under the ministry of health,” he affirmed.
