Students have voiced concerns ahead of the debate on the foreign nurses bill in Cyprus, highlighting significant issues related to the proposed legislation.
- Students have voiced concerns ahead of the debate on the foreign nurses bill in Cyprus, highlighting significant issues related to the proposed legislation.
- Karaiskakis indicated that while providers prioritise hiring local nurses when available, ongoing constraints due to limited supply continue to hinder their efforts.
Foreign nurses: Students and Trade Unions Express Strong Objections
On Thursday, students from the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak) and various trade unions raised strong objections to legislation that aims to allow the employment of nurses from third countries. As the Cypriot parliament prepares to examine amendments to this bill, the healthcare system in Cyprus is under considerable staffing pressure.
Concerns Over Quality and Future of Healthcare
Students argue that the proposed changes present serious questions regarding the future of the nursing sector and the quality of health services. They believe the bill fails to address the root causes of staff shortages, which include low wages, demanding working conditions, and a lack of incentives for young professionals to enter the field.
“Health cannot be treated as a commodity,” students have stated, emphasising that the existing pressures include increased workloads and longer waiting times for patients. They are calling for structural measures such as collective labour agreements, improved staffing levels in public hospitals, and enhanced support for trainees through paid placements and clearer career pathways.
Trade Union Concerns About Labour Conditions
In addition to student objections, trade unions have also expressed reservations about the impact of the bill on labour conditions and service quality. They are particularly concerned about language requirements, the integration of foreign staff, and the lack of consultation during the development of the amendments.
Efthimios Diplaros, chairman of the House health committee, has been critical of the approach taken by the health ministry, stating that “changes are being made without any consultation with nurses,” which raises further concerns about the bill’s development process.
Patient Representatives Highlight Immediate Staffing Needs
Contrasting the students’ and unions’ objections, patient representatives and private healthcare providers argue that there is an urgent need to address staffing shortages. The patients’ association federation (Osak) has noted that the staffing issue impacts multiple areas of the health system, including hospitals and other service structures, limiting the implementation of new legislation related to rehabilitation centres, community nursing, and palliative care.
“The problem exists and already affects not only private hospitals but also other health service delivery structures,” the federation stated. They expressed support for the proposed amendments, arguing that “the reservations expressed about the employment of qualified nurses from abroad are incorrect” given the current shortages. Osak emphasised the need for safeguards to ensure qualifications, language competence, and patient safety.
Challenges Faced by Private Sector Providers
Private sector representatives have also highlighted the operational challenges they face due to a lack of nursing staff. Marios Karaiskakis, president of the private hospitals association (Pasin), described the nursing shortage as an “endemic issue” across the healthcare sector. He pointed out that factors such as retirements and the expansion of services, particularly in rehabilitation care, are exacerbating the challenges.
Karaiskakis indicated that while providers prioritise hiring local nurses when available, ongoing constraints due to limited supply continue to hinder their efforts.
Future Meetings and Ongoing Discussions
The employers and industrialists’ federation (Oev) has announced plans to hold a meeting later this month to assess the situation and explore potential actions. Discussions between the health ministry and stakeholders have been ongoing ahead of the upcoming parliamentary session.
The amendments to the nursing and midwifery law aim to allow a limited number of foreign nurses to work in Cyprus under specific conditions. The provisions include a cap of 10 per cent of staff per healthcare facility being third country nationals, a requirement for moderate Greek language proficiency, and restrictions on senior roles, including prohibiting foreign nurses from serving as shift managers. Employment would also be subject to sunset clause permits.
Next Steps for the Proposed Legislation
The bill returns to the House health committee following a previous postponement due to concerns from professional groups and unions. The outcome of the committee’s discussions is crucial in determining whether the amendments will proceed to the plenum for a vote. As the debate unfolds, the perspectives of students, unions, patient representatives, and healthcare providers will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of nursing in Cyprus.
