patients ombudsman — Cyprus’ first patients ombudsman, Marios Charalambides, will begin his duties on Monday, marking a significant step in enhancing patient rights within the health system. This announcement came after Charalambides met with Health Minister Michael Damianos on Tuesday.
In his initial statements, Charalambides expressed his commitment to establishing a comprehensive system aimed at safeguarding patient rights. He stated, “We will set up an entire mechanism, a completely structured and correct system to ensure the rights of patients.”
This initiative will not only focus on addressing complaints but also on educating citizens about their rights, ensuring they are informed about the proper procedures to follow if those rights are infringed upon. “Citizens should know what and how to do in case their rights are violated,” he emphasised.
Central to this new role will be adherence to the 14 basic rights outlined in the European Charter of Patients’ Rights. These rights encompass various essential aspects, including the right to preventive measures against illnesses, the right to informed consent, and the right to high-quality health services. Charalambides highlighted that these rights are designed to ensure “a high level of human health protection.”
The establishment of the patients’ ombudsman is seen as a “historical milestone” for Cyprus, providing the first official mechanism for managing and documenting patient complaints. This new role is expected to facilitate better communication between patients and the health system, addressing existing challenges effectively.
Health Minister Damianos praised the launch of this institution as a pivotal moment for the health sector, particularly in the realm of patient rights. He noted that Charalambides would serve as “the bridge” between patients and the health system, ensuring that patient concerns are heard and addressed adequately.
The introduction of a patients’ ombudsman is anticipated to bring about a more structured approach to patient care in Cyprus, fostering a more trustworthy healthcare environment. As Charalambides prepares to take on this vital role, there is optimism regarding the positive changes this could bring to the rights and protections of patients across the nation.
