gesy reforms — gesy reforms — Cyprus’ national health system, Gesy, is set to receive further reforms aimed at strengthening public hospitals and digitising health services. The government announced these significant upgrades on Wednesday evening, highlighting its commitment to improving health services for all residents.
In a statement on social media, the presidency of the Republic of Cyprus emphasised that the substantial strengthening of the health sector and the provision of higher quality services are a fundamental pillar of policy and a top priority for the government.
Recent Eurostat data reveals that Cyprus boasts the lowest rate of unmet medical needs in the entire European Union, with only 0.2 per cent of the population reporting that their need for medical examination or treatment had not been met. This figure starkly contrasts with the EU average of 3.8 per cent, underscoring the effectiveness and accessibility of the Cypriot health system.
The presidency remarked, “This significant achievement confirms that Gesy essentially covers the needs of residents,” asserting that the low percentage of unmet medical needs is a strong indicator of social well-being and a testament to the current health policies yielding tangible results.
Health Minister Michael Damianos previously stated in June that Gesy is “here to stay,” labelling it the most significant reform in the health sector since the Republic’s establishment. He noted, “We are systematically evaluating the system with the aim of continuously upgrading it and addressing weaknesses.”
Damianos also mentioned a series of legislative measures designed to protect Gesy while enhancing the daily experience of citizens within hospitals. These ongoing improvements are indicative of the government’s commitment to health care reform.
Since its inception in June 2019, Gesy has registered over a million beneficiaries, who have collectively made more than 21 million visits to general practitioners and an equal number to specialists. By May, over 3.6 million visits had been recorded at radiological diagnostic centres, 17 million to laboratories, 43 million to pharmacies, and approximately 1.3 million to dentists. Furthermore, 360,000 surgical procedures have been performed under the system.
Although the original legislation for Gesy was passed in 2001, the system’s operational launch marked a transformative moment in healthcare provision in Cyprus. The upcoming reforms are anticipated to build on this foundation, ensuring that public hospitals are better equipped to serve the population as demands evolve.
