gesy reforms — gesy reforms — Cyprus’ national health system, Gesy, is set to receive further reforms aimed at strengthening public hospitals and digitising health services, as announced by the government on Wednesday evening.
The presidency of the Republic of Cyprus emphasised that the substantial strengthening of the health sector and the provision of higher quality services to all residents are fundamental pillars of policy and top priorities for the administration. This commitment marks a pivotal moment for public healthcare in the country.
According to the latest Eurostat data, Cyprus boasts the lowest rate of unmet medical needs in the entire European Union. Just 0.2 per cent of the Cypriot population reported that their need for medical examination or treatment went unaddressed, significantly lower than the EU average of 3.8 per cent. The presidency hailed this achievement, noting it indicates a “functional, effective and accessible health system.”
“This significant achievement confirms that Gesy essentially covers the needs of residents,” the presidency stated, highlighting that the 0.2 per cent of unmet medical needs serves as a strong indicator of social well-being. It is a testament to the effectiveness of current health policies, which are yielding tangible results.
Health Minister Michael Damianos has previously affirmed the system’s long-term viability, referring to Gesy as the biggest reform in the health sector since the establishment of the Republic. In early June, he stated, “Gesy is here to stay,” underscoring a commitment to continuous evaluation and improvement of the system.
As part of these ongoing reforms, the government aims to systematically address any weaknesses in the system, with a series of new legislations designed to safeguard Gesy. Minister Damianos has expressed an intention to enhance the daily experience for citizens visiting hospitals, which reflects a proactive approach to public health management.
Since its inception, Gesy has registered over a million beneficiaries, facilitating more than 21 million visits to general practitioners and specialists alike. By May, there had been over 3.6 million visits to radiological diagnostic centres, 17 million to laboratories, and 43 million to pharmacies, along with an additional 1.3 million visits to dentists. Furthermore, around 360,000 surgical procedures have been performed under the system.
The legislative groundwork for Gesy was laid in 2001, but the system officially began operating in June 2019. This evolution in healthcare underscores a significant shift towards modernising public health services in Cyprus, aiming to meet the needs of the population more effectively.