Patients are still paying out of pocket for occupational therapy services under the General Health System (GHS), a situation that has persisted for nearly seven years.
- Patients are still paying out of pocket for occupational therapy services under the General Health System (GHS), a situation that has persisted for nearly seven years.
Despite numerous consultations, changes in government, and shifts in leadership at the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO), the necessary agreements to provide free occupational therapy remain elusive. Charalambos Papadopoulos, secretary of the Federation of Patients’ Associations of Cyprus (OSAK), has voiced his frustrations regarding the lack of progress, saying, “It’s time to speak with the language of truth.”
Many of those affected are children, and Papadopoulos highlights the struggles parents face when forced to pay privately for services that should be covered. “For almost seven years, children have gone without the therapy they need,” he emphasised, pointing out that families are left to navigate a system that only offers occupational therapy on paper.
As discussions between the HIO and professionals continue to stall, Papadopoulos is urging all parties involved to take responsibility. He points out that the delays are not just affecting a handful of patients but thousands in need of support. “This is not a matter of 100 or 200 or 1,000 patients, but thousands of people,” he said, stressing the urgency for a resolution.
Papadopoulos explained that since last April, OSAK has been waiting for the Health Ministry to review a proposal submitted by the HIO, with no updates forthcoming. He expressed disappointment that despite previous efforts to bridge the gap between the HIO and occupational therapists, the situation remains unresolved. “The months pass and the situation does not change,” he lamented.
The implications of this deadlock are profound. Parents are left in a precarious position, often missing work or school to secure necessary services. “Does it serve the interest of the thousands of children involved for them to miss school to secure public healthcare services?” Papadopoulos asked rhetorically, highlighting the absurdity of the current situation.
In light of the ongoing challenges, OSAK has set a deadline of January 2026 for the commencement of occupational therapy services under GHS. As Papadopoulos noted, “We cannot accept this delay any longer,” insisting that strict timetables for integrating these services into the system are essential.
Despite the urgent calls for action, the path forward appears uncertain. Some patient associations are contemplating measures to directly employ occupational therapists to provide services through GHS, a move that underscores the desperation of families in need.
Since 2020, efforts to reach an agreement have spanned multiple health ministers and government administrations, with little to show for it. The HIO has undergone several leadership changes, further complicating the negotiation process. In late 2025, a deadline was set for a response from the professional association, but subsequent inaction has left patients and their families in limbo.
As the situation drags on, Papadopoulos remains steadfast in his commitment to advocate for patients. He stresses that their interests should not simply be invoked as a rhetorical device but must translate into tangible action. The growing frustration among families underscores the urgent need for a resolution that prioritises access to essential healthcare services.
