MVP

Tag: healthcare

  • Night Pharmacies Operating Across Cyprus on January 2

    Night Pharmacies Operating Across Cyprus on January 2

    Night pharmacies will be open across Cyprus on Friday, January 2, offering essential services to those in need. Below is a detailed list of pharmacies operating during the night in various cities.

    Night pharmacies: Pharmacies in Nicosia

    The capital city, Nicosia, features several pharmacies available after hours:

    • Sokratous Louiza, Piraios 24C, opposite “SANTEX” fabric store, Strovolos. Contact: 22422279, 22321828.
    • Efthymiou – Koulas Maria, Kallipoleos Avenue 53C, 300m from University, Nicosia. Contact: 22377056, 22813435.
    • Pafitis Giorgos, Lykavittou 42B, behind “Makario” Stadium, “Chrysovalantou” bakery road, Engomi. Contact: 22658161, 22518049.
    • Vasiliou Angeliki, Charis Groutas 8, apt. 5, side street off Pefkou road, behind STAR OIL fuel station, Lakatamia. Contact: 22521168.
    • Kyriakou Stylianou Stelios, Agios Pavlos 101, near Hippodrome, Agios Dometios. Contact: 22771122, 22590272.
    • Markidou Mikaella, Archbishop Makarios III 3, Lympia. Contact: 22660089.

    Pharmacies in Limassol

    Limassol also has a range of night pharmacies ready to serve:

    • Christofi Michalis, Marinos Geroulanou 50, “Philippou Building”, apt. 2, near Agios Ioannis Gymnasium, north of Spyros Kyprianou Avenue. Contact: 25753000, 97614388.
    • Gavriil Thukididou Alexia, Agias Sofias 92C, opposite Apostolos Andreas Charaki church, road perpendicular to Nikos Pattichis. Contact: 25731411, 99348621, 97417411.
    • Damianou Anna, Kyriakou Oikonomou & Zinon 41, SEK Building. Contact: 25364864.
    • Takis Vasos, Archbishop Makarios III 82, next to Apostolos Andreas church, Mesa Geitonia. Contact: 25003563, 25334094.
    • Konnaris Marios, King George I 31, “Julia Court”, coastal road near “Pizza Hut”, Germasogeia. Contact: 25325450, 99086346.

    Pharmacies in Larnaca

    In Larnaca, residents can find the following pharmacies open:

    • Sergiou Savvas, Griva Digeni 9, Oroklini. Contact: 24645343, 99977835.
    • Nikolaou Kristia, Tasos Mitsopoulou (Piale Passia) 15, “Sandy Beach A”, apt. 4, near “Makou”. Contact: 24656554, 99710617.
    • Orfanidis Misiel, Konstantinos Kalogeras 11, opposite Kalogeras Primary School. Contact: 24621360, 24531859.

    Pharmacies in Paphos

    Paphos residents can access these pharmacies during the night:

    • Epameinonda Eleni, Ampelokepon 12, opposite TEPAK, Pantanassa area. Contact: 26953800.
    • Kokkinou Dorothea, Griva Digeni 51, Polis Chrysochous. Contact: 26322220, 97680660.

    Pharmacies in Famagusta

    Famagusta is served by these night pharmacies:

    • Gerimou Despoina, Agios Dimitrios 105, apt. 1, Paralimni. Contact: 23730220.
    • Christofidou Nikoletta, Panos Ioannou 2, Frenaros. Contact: 23742270, 95967731.

    This list aims to provide residents and visitors across Cyprus with convenient access to pharmacy services during the night. For any urgent needs, these pharmacies stand ready to assist.

  • Pharmacies open — Pharmacies Open Overnight on Wednesday, 17 December 2025

    Pharmacies open — Pharmacies Open Overnight on Wednesday, 17 December 2025

    Pharmacies open overnight on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, provide essential services to residents across various cities including Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Famagusta.

    Nicosia Pharmacies Ready to Serve

    In Nicosia, several pharmacies will be operating overnight, ensuring that those in need can access medications and health-related advice. Key locations include:

    • Chagoudes Andreas: Strovolos Avenue 244C, opposite former Sun Tower, Strovolos (22049296, 96118353)
    • Chatziapostolou Antonis: Kyriakou Matsi Avenue 37A, Junior English School road, Nicosia (22311416, 99513314)
    • Matsa Lito: Agiou Andrea 64, opposite post office and ZORPA, next to AMSTERDAM kiosk, Pallouriotissa (22260566)
    • Kari Christiana: Andrea Avraamidi 50, opposite Aretaieio Hospital, Strovolos (22771999, 22351072)
    • Xenofontos Xenios: Theodosi Pieridi 15, 50m opposite ZORPA bakery, Tseri (22721451, 99556039)
    • Kagia Katerina: Dimitri Stavrou 3AB, next to Latsia health centre, former Laiki Sporting Club road, Latsia (22480888)

    Limassol’s Overnight Options

    Limassol residents will also have access to a number of pharmacies throughout the night. The following establishments are confirmed to be open:

    • Petrides Michael: Makariou III Avenue 23, FOUI lights, Limassol (25363655, 99461515)
    • Potamitou Maria: Vasileos Konstantinou I 29B, Tsirio Municipal road, Limassol (25364000, 25382333)
    • Panagioutou Panagiotis: Agias Fylaxeos 225, 100m from Agia Fyla roundabout towards Agia Fyla, next to Sunfresh, Limassol (25770930, 25811860)
    • Darvis Georgios: Vasili Michailidi 13, IASO Medical Centre, Limassol (25347070, 99201014)
    • Vasiliou Aristos: Griva Digeni Avenue 63, opposite Kapatsos restaurant, Limassol (25580906, 99444906)

    Larnaca Pharmacies Available All Night

    Larnaca will also have pharmacies on duty overnight, ensuring residents can find necessary medications. Open pharmacies include:

    • Orfanides Michel: Konstantinou Kalogera 11, opposite Kalogera Primary School, Larnaca (24621360, 24531859)
    • Koulouma Dimitriou Anna: Inonemon Ethnon 16A, Larnaca-Limassol road, Larnaca (24642333, 24661155)
    • Rizek Andreas: Archbishop Makarios Avenue 65, Kiti (24427065, 24425209)

    Paphos Pharmacies Open Late

    Paphos residents will have access to pharmacies ready to assist throughout the night. The following locations will be open:

    • Iliades Ilias: Anexartisias 11 & Eptanisou 1, next to Technical School, Paphos (26941100, 26944544)
    • Filippidou-Georgiadu Konstantia: Evagora Pallikaridi 93, opposite NUMERO clothing shop, Paphos (26949259, 26222670)
    • Sokratous Sokratis: Makariou III Avenue & Evagora Pallikaridi 6, Polis Chrysochous (26321253, 99725006)

    Famagusta’s Pharmacy Accessibility

    In Famagusta, pharmacies will also be open overnight, providing services to those in need. The pharmacies on duty are:

    • Kamilaris Andreas: Korai 52, opposite Paralimni Lyceum, Paralimni (23744160, 23743418)
    • Gerolemou Petroula: Achyrona 2, Avgorou (23922931)

    These pharmacies play a crucial role in ensuring the community has access to necessary health resources during late hours. Residents are encouraged to note these locations and contact them if they require services overnight.

  • Cancer drug — Cyprus Oncology Society Addresses Cancer Drug Approval Delays

    Cancer drug — Cyprus Oncology Society Addresses Cancer Drug Approval Delays

    cancer drug — cancer drug — The Cyprus Oncology Society (OEK) has responded to concerns over delays in the approval of cancer treatment drugs by the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO). These delays have raised significant worries among patients and healthcare professionals alike.

    On Wednesday, OEK clarified its position, highlighting procedural issues related to the transfer of the nominal requests committee from the Health Ministry to the HIO. This transition, which occurred in May, has been cited as a contributing factor to the delays.

    OEK has engaged in consultations aimed at streamlining and improving the drug approval process. Following a meeting with HIO on May 26, both organisations agreed on a scientifically accepted timeline for updating and completing therapeutic protocols. OEK noted that these updates have already resulted in a decrease in the number of nominal requests.

    In cases where requests for drugs are rejected, OEK reassured physicians that there is a mechanism in place for appeals to be made to a review board. This process aims to ensure that treating physicians can advocate for their patients effectively.

    Amid rising complaints about critical delays, OEK emphasised its commitment to transparency and seriousness in applying the new criteria for drug approval. The society continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to intervene further if necessary.

    Earlier in May, the issue of obstacles in the oncology drug approval process was brought to light, with oncologists reporting instances of rejections or lack of communication after submitting urgent requests. The society’s proactive stance reflects its dedication to addressing these pressing concerns in the field of cancer treatment.

  • Pharmacies Operating Overnight on November 19 Across Cyprus

    Pharmacies Operating Overnight on November 19 Across Cyprus

    Pharmacies throughout Cyprus will remain open overnight on Wednesday, November 19, ensuring that residents have access to essential medications and health services during the late hours.

    Night-time Pharmacies in Nicosia

    • Solomou Ourania, Strovolos Avenue & Pythonos 4, next to the Glass Building, Strovolos, tel. 22313123, 22283622.
    • Triantafyllou Frankiskos Marios, Prodromou 24, opposite Evangelistria Medical Centre, next to Pandora bakery-patisserie, Engomi, tel. 22332315.
    • Konstantinou Dimitris, Stasandrou 26A, SEK Shareholding Pharmacy, Nicosia, tel. 22764691, 22484828.
    • Kitsa Marina, Kyriakou Matsis Avenue 21C & Samos, at traffic lights, Agioi Omologites, Nicosia, tel. 22441780, 22420506.
    • Chatzigianni Klio, Larnakos Avenue 129, next to Andreas Charalambous Ltd store, Nicosia, tel. 22333311, 22436322.
    • Kyriazo Anna Maria, United Nations & Mother Teresa 1A, after Carlsberg roundabout towards Idalion restaurant, next to Anytime kiosk, Dali, tel. 22313525.

    Limassol’s Overnight Pharmacies

    • Charalambous Charis, Miltonos 56, BMW Pilakoutas turn, towards Zakaki, opposite febalcasa furniture, Agios Spyridonas, Limassol, tel. 25710330, 25770285.
    • Malioti Chrysanthi, Georgios Averof 26, north of FOUI traffic lights near Agios Ioannis Lyceum, Limassol, tel. 25567939, 99461515.
    • Paraskeva Olga & Stavroula, Makarios III Avenue 98, next to Fairways, Polemidia traffic lights, Limassol, tel. 25335220, 25387104.
    • Koskinas Savvas, Archbishop Makarios III Avenue 8, Mesa Geitonia road, Mesa Geitonia, tel. 25728205, 25728210.
    • Koupepas Andreas, Anoikodomiseos 37B, north of Linopetras roundabout, Agios Athanasios, tel. 25724545, 99468643.

    Pharmacies in Larnaca

    • Sergiou Andreas, Archbishop Makarios 9, near Police Station, Larnaca, tel. 24623110, 24530445.
    • Andreou Despoina, Artemidos Avenue 30, near Faneromenis traffic lights, Larnaca, tel. 24656884, 24361084.
    • Christoforou Andreas, Larissas 21, Kamares towards Limassol, 400m after Cineplex cinema, Larnaca, tel. 24364270, 24646753.

    Paphos Pharmacy Listings

    • Kyrou Charitini, Neofytos Nikolaidis 18, 100m from new government buildings towards Geroskipou, Paphos, tel. 26949219, 26945762.
    • Taliotou Maria, Alexandros Papagos 57, Technical School roundabout towards RIO CINEMA, Paphos, tel. 26910276, 26932950.
    • Kallasidis Emmanouel, Mariou 17, Polis Chrysochous, tel. 26221877, 97744094.

    Famagusta Region Pharmacies

    • Stylianou Stelios, Sotiras 7A, opposite Lito clinic, Paralimni, tel. 23812040, 23744313.
    • Mastrou Androula, Petraki Giallourous 2E, Liopetri Square, next to traffic lights, Liopetri, tel. 23942028, 99524643.

    These pharmacies are part of a broader effort to ensure that citizens have access to necessary health services at all hours, reflecting the importance of community health in Cyprus.

  • Night Pharmacies Operating Across Cyprus on November 14

    Night Pharmacies Operating Across Cyprus on November 14

    Pharmacies Open Late in Nicosia

    Night pharmacies will be available across Cyprus on November 14, ensuring residents have access to essential medications after hours. In Nicosia, several pharmacies will remain open late for public convenience.

    Locations in Nicosia

    • Konstantinidou Angeliki: Kyriakou Matsis 37, opposite “Zorpas” bakery & 1st Primary School of Agios Dometios, tel. 22261626.
    • Koliou Anna: Agia Paraskevi 22A, next to “Apollonio” hospital, Engomi, tel. 22103884, 99383067.
    • Petridis Michalis: Agios Ilarianos 151AB, opposite “Zorpas” bakery, after “BATA” roundabout, Kaimakli, tel. 22524404.
    • Tsielepi Eleni (Elina): Agios Georgios Avenue 124, opposite STAR OIL fuel station, Anthoupoli, Lakatamia, tel. 22255588, 94068067.
    • Angelis Petros: Kantaras Avenue 71, Kokkines Settlement, opposite “COSMOS” bakery, Strovolos, tel. 22324205.
    • Markidou Mikaella: Archbishop Makarios III 3, Lympia, tel. 22660089.

    Limassol’s Late Night Services

    Limassol will also host a number of pharmacies operating late into the night on November 14, providing crucial services to the local population.

    Limassol Pharmacy Listings

    • Markou Angela: Miltonos 27, apt. 3, opposite “Intership” shipping company, Zakaki, tel. 25108898, 96893387.
    • Teridis Aris: Leontos I Avenue 181, apt. 1, on the old hospital road, Limassol, tel. 25340872, 25714469.
    • Evagorou Antonia: Agias Zonis 32A, PharmaSYN Agias Zonis, Limassol, tel. 25371194, 99151498.
    • Konstantinou Maria: Grigoris Afxentios 5, on Chalkoutsa Primary School road, opposite “Madaris” fruit shop, Mesa Geitonia, tel. 25851000, 99997990.
    • Panagi Chryso: Georgios A’ 99, coastal road, 100m opposite “Apollonia” hotel, Germasogeia, tel. 25322237, 25105074.

    Larnaca’s Night Pharmacies

    Larnaca also features pharmacies that will be operational throughout the night, meeting the health needs of the community during late hours.

    Pharmacies in Larnaca

    • Iakovidis Stavros: Faneromenis Avenue 189-191, near Esso fuel station, Larnaca, tel. 24637499, 24657045.
    • Tisienko Victoria: Archbishop Makarios III 31, Meneou, tel. 24427788, 99864884.
    • Kyritsis Marios: Dianellou 107, near Chrysopolitissa church, Larnaca, tel. 24656514, 24636089.

    Paphos Pharmacies Available Late

    Residents in Paphos will not be left without options, as several pharmacies are set to operate during the night on November 14.

    Available Pharmacies in Paphos

    • Nikiforou Melina: Makarios III 87, apt. 3, near Chlorakas traffic lights, tel. 26271616.
    • Erotokritou Anna: King Stasikos, apt. 3, Prodromi, tel. 26652110, 97678977.

    Famagusta’s Late Night Options

    In the Famagusta region, pharmacies will also be operating at night, ensuring vital access to medications and health services.

    Famagusta Pharmacy Listings

    • Giallouros Panikos: 1st April 184, opposite “Sklavenitis” supermarket, Paralimni, tel. 23825979, 23744771.
    • Prokopiou Antri – Panagiota: Makarios III 36, Deryneia, tel. 23730725.

    Accessing Services After Hours

    These night pharmacies across Cyprus are crucial for those requiring immediate access to medications when regular pharmacies are closed. The availability of these services underscores the commitment of local pharmacists to public health and well-being.

  • Pharmacies — Pharmacies Open Across Cyprus on Monday 10 November 2025

    Pharmacies — Pharmacies Open Across Cyprus on Monday 10 November 2025

    Pharmacies on duty across Cyprus on Monday 10 November 2025 will provide essential services to residents in need of medication and healthcare advice.

    Pharmacies in Nicosia

    • Andreas Chagoudes
      244C Strovolou Avenue, opposite former Sun Tower, Strovolos
      Contact: 22049296, 96118353
    • Antonis Chatziapostolou
      37A Kyriakou Matsi Avenue, near Junior English School, Nicosia
      Contact: 22311416, 99513314
    • Lito Matsa
      64 Agiou Andrea, opposite the post office and ZORBA, next to Amsterdam kiosk, Pallouriotissa
      Contact: 22260566
    • Christiana Kari
      50 Andrea Avraamidi, opposite Areteio Hospital, Strovolos
      Contact: 22771999, 22351072
    • Xenios Xenofontos
      15 Theodosi Pieridi, 50m opposite ZORBA bakery, Tseri
      Contact: 22721451, 99556039
    • Ioannis Ragavas
      115 Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, 100m from Latsia’s Second Primary School, opposite Casa Di Fiori flower shop, Latsia
      Contact: 22486488, 22492717

    Pharmacies in Limassol

    • Maro Papaspyrou-Kantonidou
      272 Franklin Roosevelt, Zakaki, next to Sunfresh bakery, Limassol
      Contact: 25390354, 25388448
    • Charalambos Papadopoulos
      52 Theodorou Potamianou, Jumbo Polemidia, Kato Polemidia
      Contact: 25735505
    • Eleana Loukaidou-Petraki
      135 Makarios III Avenue, between Pizza Hut and ERA lights, Limassol
      Contact: 25730050, 25755516
    • Anagnostis Ketsibasis
      12 Renatou Kartesiou, 100m north of Mesa Geitonia roundabout, towards Agios Athanasios town hall, near bakery, Agios Athanasios
      Contact: 25326600, 99903900
    • Iakovina Papatheodoulou
      145 B&C Griva Digeni, Neapolis, opposite Alpha Mega supermarket, Limassol
      Contact: 25250026, 99748468

    Pharmacies in Larnaca

    • Margarita Christodoulou
      2 Armenian Church corner, near CYTA, town centre, Larnaca
      Contact: 24652440, 24644385
    • Kalliopi Konstantinou
      3 Solonos, Dromolaxia Square, Dromolaxia
      Contact: 24427906, 96237223
    • Eleni Symeou
      15 Rafael Santi, opposite Timios Stavros clinic, Larnaca
      Contact: 24254008, 99921940

    Pharmacies in Paphos

    • Aristotelis Papoudas
      25 Alexandrou Ypsilanti, Dasoudi area, 300m below Lidl, Paphos
      Contact: 26811750, 26952138
    • Chrysanthi Stavrinou
      1 Vasileos Stasioikou, Polis Chrysochous
      Contact: 26654290, 99983021

    Pharmacies in Famagusta

    • Stelios Stylianou
      7A Sotiras, opposite Lito clinic, Paralimni
      Contact: 23812040, 23744313
    • Antonis Pishas
      71 Eleftherias, Thymonia bakery road Deryneia, Deryneia
      Contact: 23821380

    These pharmacies provide a critical service to their respective communities, ensuring that individuals can access necessary medications and support. Citizens are encouraged to contact their nearest pharmacy to confirm opening hours and availability of services.

  • Pharmacies Open Overnight Across Cyprus on October 14

    Pharmacies Open Overnight Across Cyprus on October 14

    Pharmacies across Cyprus will remain open overnight on Tuesday, October 14, providing essential services to those in need. Here’s a comprehensive list of the pharmacies operating during the night in various cities.

    Nicosia Pharmacies

    • Solomou Ourania, Strovolos Avenue & Pythonos 4. Located next to the “Gyalini” Apartment Building, Strovolos. Tel: 22313123, 22283622.
    • Triantafyllou Frangiskos Marios, Prodromou 24. Situated opposite the “Evangelistria” Medical Center and next to “Pandora” bakery-patisserie, Engomi. Tel: 22332315.
    • Konstantinou Dimitris, Stasandrou 26A. This is a SEK Shareholder Pharmacy in Nicosia. Tel: 22764691, 22484828.
    • Kitsa Marina, Kyriakou Matsis Avenue 21C & Samou. Located at the traffic lights in Agioi Omologites, Nicosia. Tel: 22441780, 22420506.
    • Chatzigianni Kleio, Larnakos Avenue 129. This pharmacy is next to “Andreas Charalambous Ltd” store, Nicosia. Tel: 22333311, 22436322.
    • Rangavas Ioannis, Archbishop Makarios III Avenue 115. Positioned 100m from the 2nd Primary School of Latsia, opposite “Casa Di Fiori” florist. Tel: 22486488, 22492717.

    Limassol Pharmacies

    • Kamenidou Gianna, Franklin Roosevelt Avenue 255E. Opposite “Sunfresh” bakery, Zakaki, Limassol. Tel: 25715315, 25715716.
    • Agamemnonos Charoula, King Constantine 131. Near Tsirion Stadium, Limassol. Tel: 25870748, 25560442.
    • Grigoriou Grigoris, Kosti Palamas 37B. Located north of Lanition, Agios Nektarios, Mesa Geitonia. Tel: 25754111, 25566818.
    • Syngelidou Anna, Karaiskakis 36Z. Opposite the former Central Cooperative Bank, Limassol. Tel: 25746522, 25341824.
    • Kardiakidou Marianna, 28th October Avenue 353. On the coastal road next to “ONE Seafront Tower”, Limassol. Tel: 25337050.

    Larnaca Pharmacies

    • Rizek Andreas, Archbishop Makarios Avenue 65, Kiti. Tel: 24427065, 24425209.
    • Stavrou Melios, Ermou 41 & King Evagoras 8. Located opposite “Beauty Line” in Larnaca. Tel: 24628041, 24531731.
    • Koulouma Dimitriou Anna, United Nations 16A. On the Larnaca-Limassol road. Tel: 24642333, 24661155.

    Paphos Pharmacies

    • Polykarpou Ikaros, Eleftherios Venizelos 29. Below the “Agios Georgios” clinic, Paphos. Tel: 26935133, 26653809.
    • Kokkinou Dorothea, Griva Digeni 51, Polis Chrysochous. Tel: 26322220, 97680660.

    Famagusta Pharmacies

    • Pogiatzi Irini, Protaras Avenue 191, store 2. Near the “Metro” supermarket, Paralimni. Tel: 23250200.
    • Stavri Antigoni, Heroes Square 6B. Opposite the Bank of Cyprus, Sotira. Tel: 23825511.

    These pharmacies will be available to provide necessary services during the night, ensuring that residents across Cyprus have access to medications and health consultations at all hours.

  • Surge in Medical Negligence Complaints Recorded by Patients’ Rights Observatory

    Surge in Medical Negligence Complaints Recorded by Patients’ Rights Observatory

    The Patients’ Rights Observatory has reported a significant increase in complaints regarding medical negligence, with 57 cases logged in September alone. This surge marks one of the highest monthly totals since the observatory’s establishment, just shy of the record 61 complaints received in January 2025.

    Many of the recent complaints highlight distressing incidents involving patient deaths, inadequate care, and alarming lapses in communication within healthcare settings. Families have begun approaching authorities, seeking formal investigations into these troubling cases.

    Medical negligence: Concerning Patterns Emerge

    Reports from citizens indicate a worrying trend of long waits in accident and emergency (A&E) departments, with patients often left without necessary updates about their health. Instances of neglect have been noted both in A&E units and hospital wards, leading to complications for patients. Surgical interventions have also been called into question, with some patients facing worsened conditions or unnecessary procedures.

    Distressing Accounts from Families

    In one particularly harrowing case, an elderly patient died while hospitalised, with the family alleging that a series of care failures contributed to the tragedy. They reported extended delays in receiving medical attention upon arrival at A&E and inadequate treatment for infections during the hospital stay. The letter detailing these grievances was shared by the Federation of Patient Associations of Cyprus (CyFPA/OSAK), which has been vocal about the need for accountability in such matters.

    Another complaint involved a patient who, after being told his post-operative recovery was progressing normally, later died. An autopsy was conducted, but the family is now grappling with delays in receiving crucial results, further compounding their distress.

    Underestimation of Symptoms

    Several citizens have come forward with stories of misdiagnosis and inadequate assessments, particularly in A&E departments. One patient exhibited serious symptoms that were misinterpreted as psychological issues, leading to a dangerous delay in receiving appropriate medical care. The next day, doctors discovered a severe complication that had already caused irreversible damage, necessitating urgent surgery.

    Alarming Surgical Mishaps

    Another complaint raised concerns regarding a surgical procedure that deviated significantly from what was described to the patient. Initially assured that the operation would be minimally invasive, the patient experienced a lengthy procedure with a large incision, which ultimately did not resolve the underlying issue. Contradictory information from the surgeon about the need for a follow-up surgery has left the patient and family confused and frustrated, especially after a second opinion revealed no improvement.

    Failures in Communication and Care

    Reports of poor communication during hospitalisation are also prevalent. One family described how their elderly relative faced numerous challenges, including a lack of updates about transfers to other wards, neglect of personal hygiene, and chaotic discharge procedures. They highlighted serious shortcomings in care that they believe contributed to a negative outcome.

    Seeking Accountability

    The Patients’ Rights Observatory does not directly investigate allegations of medical negligence but records such complaints and directs citizens to the appropriate authorities. However, many individuals express reluctance to lodge formal complaints, fearing that their grievances will not lead to meaningful change.

    The data collected by the observatory reflects a pressing need for improvements within the healthcare system. As complaints continue to rise, the call for greater accountability and better patient care becomes more urgent.

  • Overnight Pharmacies Available Across Cyprus on October 9

    Overnight Pharmacies Available Across Cyprus on October 9

    Overnight pharmacies will be available across Cyprus on Thursday, October 9, providing essential services to those in need after regular business hours.

    Overnight pharmacies: Pharmacies in Nicosia

    In the capital city, several pharmacies will remain open overnight:

    • Theofanous Thekla, Polykleitou 8, PEO Trade Union Pharmacy, Nicosia, tel. 22349778.
    • Georgiadis Ploutarchos, Tseriou Avenue 34C, next to “ZAKO” and opposite “BLUE ISLAND” fish market, Strovolos, tel. 22311995, 99042275.
    • Assioti Eva, Angelos Terzakis 4, apt. 2, from Agios Panteleimon towards Tymvou, at the first traffic lights left then 1st right at 500m, Engomi, tel. 22255524.
    • Proestou Margarita, Stasinou 46, apt. 3, opposite Central Bank, next to “Gloria Jeans”, Strovolos, tel. 22952095, 96626370.
    • Varelia Liza, Achaion 6C, Nicosia Polyclinic road, opposite “Altius” hotel, Nicosia, tel. 22776861, 99006201.
    • Pastelli Eleni, Archbishop Makarios III 33 I&Θ, next to “Coffee Island”, opposite “CYTACOM SOLUTIONS” and “AELIOTIS”, Latsia, tel. 22574573, 99375857.

    Pharmacies in Limassol

    Limassol will also host several overnight pharmacies:

    • Petridou Chryso, Omonoia Avenue 12, “Alexia Court”, Limassol, tel. 25571632, 25770448.
    • Filippidou – Fourla Marina, Nikos Pattichis 7A, 500m north of Polemidia traffic lights, between Petrolina and EKO fuel stations, Limassol, tel. 25334403, 25770275.
    • Solomonidou Christiana, Agias Fylaxeos 199, “Galaxia Center”, next to “Zorpas” bakery, opposite CYTA, near Agia Fyla roundabout, Limassol, tel. 25212266, 99354537.
    • Nikolaidou Georgia, Griva Digeni 2, apt. 8, next to Courts and opposite St. Mary’s school, Limassol, tel. 25222223, 97863108.
    • Leonidou Natasa, Kolonakiou 60, “COLUMBIA” road, Linopetras area, opposite “ELECTROLINE”, Agios Athanasios, tel. 25327766, 25102915.

    Pharmacies in Larnaca

    Larnaca residents can access the following overnight pharmacies:

    • Rotis Christofora, Kyriakou Matsis 5, apt. 1, opposite “SUPER DISCOUNT STORE”, Livadia-Aradippou border, Livadia, tel. 24400897, 97790853.
    • Sokratous – Kyprianou Eleni, Kilkis 15-17, “Antroulla Court”, apt. 4, near Nuns School, Larnaca, tel. 24651035, 24624163.
    • Michail Elena, Georgios Christodoulidis 5, between “Kleima” roundabout and new GSZ roundabout, Larnaca, tel. 24250900.

    Pharmacies in Paphos

    Paphos will also have a selection of pharmacies open overnight:

    • Ellinas Irini, Danais 31B, opposite “Olympic Lagoon Resort” (former “Amathus”), Kato Paphos, tel. 26964837.
    • Erotokritou Anna, King Stasikos, apt. 3, Prodromi, tel. 26652110, 97678977.

    Pharmacies in Famagusta

    In the Famagusta region, the following pharmacies will be operational:

    • Kamilaris Andreas, Korais 52, opposite Paralimni Lyceum, Paralimni, tel. 23744160, 23743418.
    • Pittatzii Kornilia, 1st April 10C, near Hellenic Bank (former Cooperative), Sotira, tel. 23824730, 23823308.

    These pharmacies are crucial in ensuring that communities across Cyprus have access to necessary medications and healthcare support during the night, providing peace of mind for residents.

  • A e: Doctors Criticise A&E Raids by Audit Office Officials

    A e: Doctors Criticise A&E Raids by Audit Office Officials

    a e — a e — Doctors are voicing their outrage following the unexpected overnight raids by Audit Office officials at the accident and emergency departments of both Nicosia and Limassol general hospitals on October 1. The inspections were conducted in a manner deemed offensive by the medical community, raising serious concerns about patient privacy and the integrity of medical data.

    Sotiris Koumas, president of the Pancyprian Union of Government Doctors, expressed his frustration about the demands placed on the medical staff. He stated, “The manner in which the inspections were conducted and the demands made by Audit Office officials were offensive and certainly exceeded limits in some cases, as they asked doctors, amongst other things, to prove they had served a patient by presenting data in the electronic files of General Healthcare System beneficiaries.”

    Koumas highlighted that no entity has the right to access the medical data of any patient who has visited the A&E, questioning the relevance of patient medical information to the purpose of the Audit Office’s inspections. “This is also a violation of patients’ rights, amongst many other things,” he added.

    During the raids, doctors on duty were reportedly asked to present their identity cards to verify their registration as medical professionals on duty that night. Koumas commented, “In other words, you call a doctor to leave his post whilst they are on active duty, and you ask them to show you their identity card. I think this is not the way for the Audit Office to conduct an inspection.”

    Adding to the controversy, officials are said to have contacted on-call doctors at home to assess their response times. Koumas explained, “At 1 am and 2 am they were telephoning doctors to check whether they would respond. If this is indeed true, it means that other serious issues arise.” These actions have prompted the union to consider the implications of such practices on the working environment for medical professionals.

    While Koumas acknowledged the Audit Office’s mandate to investigate potential abuses of power or misuse of public funds, he firmly reiterated that this does not justify the demand to access patient files. He stated, “With all due respect to the Audit Office and the Auditor General, access to patient files is permitted only to their doctor, and this is why only doctors have access to GHS files.”

    The union leader expressed concern about some colleagues who complied with requests to access patient files to confirm their treatments. He noted, “It is also very serious that some colleagues accepted and accessed the files of patients they had served in order to prove it.”

    Koumas concluded that the actions of both the audit officials and the doctors who acquiesced to these demands reflect a troubling environment that requires further scrutiny and discussion. He remarked, “The specific behaviours, both from the audit officials and from the doctors themselves, are the result of a climate that has been created and requires both analysis and criticism. Unfortunately, we have set a precedent.”