With a resounding agreement, the parliament approved the budgets for HIO and Okypy, securing vital resources for the health sector. Financial plans include €1.6 billion for HIO and €761.8 million for Okypy, aimed at sustaining operational excellence and service delivery.
What was the outcome of the parliamentary assembly’s decision on the HIO and Okypy budgets?
The parliamentary assembly unanimously approved the budgets for the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) and State Health Services (Okypy), ensuring operational and service continuity for the health sector. The HIO’s budget is balanced at €1.6 billion, and Okypy’s expenses are projected at €761.8 million with an income of €661.1 million.
Unanimous Approval for Health Sector Budgets
In a session that showcased cooperative spirit, the Parliamentary assembly recently gave a nod to the financial plans for two pivotal institutions in the health sector. With a unanimous vote, the budgets for the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) and State Health Services (Okypy) were both ratified. This development marks a significant step forward in securing the operations and service delivery for the upcoming year.
The approved budget outlines a substantial financial blueprint for Okypy, projecting expenses up to €761.8 million against an anticipated income of €661.1 million. The HIO’s financial forecast is balanced with expenditures and incomes both hovering around the €1.6 billion mark, culminating in a modest net income of €29,339.
Debates and Discussions Highlight Key Concerns
During the deliberations, Disy MP Efthimios Diplaros, who also leads the House Health committee, emphasized the critical role of public hospitals. He stated, “If we do not support our public hospitals, we know Gesy will collapse, with all that entails.” Gesy, the nation’s General Health System, has been a major reform in the Cyprus healthcare system, aiming to provide comprehensive coverage to all citizens. Diplaros also highlighted that a strategic plan for upgrading public hospitals is in place, targeting completion by June 2026.
However, the MP pointed out a snag in the plans, particularly with the Limassol General Hospital’s pending upgrades, which have been delayed due to ongoing appeals. This has led to concerns about losing valuable time that could otherwise be spent improving healthcare infrastructure.
Statements from Members of Parliament
Disy MP Savia Orphanidou underscored the need for public hospitals to gain financial and operational autonomy. She called for strict conditions and a clear framework if state sponsorship were to continue past May, placing the decision firmly in the hands of the government.
Praising the children’s accident and emergency department for its exemplary service, Orphanidou lauded the upcoming projects aimed at expanding pediatric care. These projects include growing the neonatal intensive care unit and the addition of a permanent child psychologist in the pediatric oncology clinic.
Meanwhile, Akel MP Yiorgos Loukaides expressed a less favorable view of Okypy, deeming its formation a “compromise” and pointing out that it had led to hyper-centralization rather than the expected flexibility. His concerns were echoed by other colleagues, who called for sustained state sponsorship and improved financial management within Okypy to avoid wasteful spending.
Compounding these issues, Diko MP Chrysanthos Savvides labeled Okypy hospitals as “the backbone of Gesy,” recognizing their critical role, especially during citizens’ trying times. He raised concerns about the subpar conditions of some hospital facilities, the long waiting times for patients, and the lack of specialist treatments.
Looking Ahead: Gesy and Healthcare Reforms
In the latter part of the debate, the focus shifted to the promising future of the General Health System, Gesy. The belief in its sustainability until at least 2031 was reaffirmed, with Disy MPs asserting its foundational philosophy wouldn’t be subject to change despite the rise in patient complaints.
Yiorgos Loukaides hailed Gesy as “the greatest social achievement,” noting that Cyprus’s healthcare system has made significant strides forward since its implementation. Loukaides stressed that continuous improvements in the quality of healthcare services are integral to Gesy’s success.
Finally, the discussion turned to the necessity of implementing checks against abuses and ensuring transparency within the system. The introduction of innovative drugs to the Cypriot market was also mentioned as a vital step in bolstering the quality of healthcare available to the citizens.
What was the outcome of the parliamentary assembly’s decision on the HIO and Okypy budgets?
The parliamentary assembly unanimously approved the budgets for the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) and State Health Services (Okypy), ensuring operational and service continuity for the health sector. The HIO’s budget is balanced at €1.6 billion, and Okypy’s expenses are projected at €761.8 million with an income of €661.1 million.
What were some key concerns highlighted during the debates on the health sector budgets?
During the discussions, concerns were raised about the need to support public hospitals to prevent the collapse of Gesy, the nation’s General Health System. Delays in upgrading facilities, particularly at Limassol General Hospital, and the call for financial and operational autonomy for public hospitals were also significant points of discussion.
What statements were made by Members of Parliament regarding Okypy and Gesy?
Members of Parliament expressed varying views on Okypy, with some highlighting concerns about hyper-centralization and the need for sustained state sponsorship and improved financial management within the organization. Statements were also made regarding the importance of ensuring the sustainability and continuous improvement of Gesy as a vital social achievement.
What is the focus for the future of Gesy and healthcare reforms?
Looking ahead, there is a strong emphasis on the sustainability of Gesy until at least 2031, with a commitment to maintaining its foundational philosophy. Continuous improvements in the quality of healthcare services, the implementation of checks against abuses, ensuring transparency, and the introduction of innovative drugs to enhance healthcare quality are all priorities for the future of the healthcare system in Cyprus.
