Cypriots Express Disappointment with National Healthcare System Yet Favor Improvements
In a recent survey, Cypriots have expressed their dissatisfaction with the General Health System (GeSY), with trust and confidence in the system falling below the neutral midpoint on a 5-point scale. The survey, conducted between January and March 2024, revealed that the system, introduced in 2019 to modernize a fragmented and inefficient system and provide universal coverage, is currently failing to meet public expectations.
The main source of dissatisfaction lies in ongoing technical problems with the software system, which have caused frequent crashes and outages, severely disrupting the daily operations of doctors, pharmacists, and patients. These issues have persisted despite prior commitments by the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) and the software provider to resolve them permanently by early June 2025. The repeated unavailability of the GHS portals has led to frustration and anger among healthcare professionals and users alike.
However, the survey also highlighted certain problems, including some abuses within the system, which the HIO is gradually addressing through technical and administrative measures. Despite these issues, Health Minister Michael Damianos emphasized that the system will not collapse, highlighting GeSY as a significant achievement for Cyprus despite being relatively new.
To improve public confidence and the functionality of GeSY, suggested policy reforms and actions include resolving technical and software issues permanently, strengthening oversight and reducing abuses within the system, and expanding and improving services. The focus is on stabilizing the operational infrastructure, increasing transparency and accountability within GeSY, and expanding services to reinforce public trust and satisfaction in Cyprus's public healthcare system.
Interestingly, the survey found that younger participants aged 16-18 generally expressed greater satisfaction and trust in the GeSY compared to older age groups. However, residents in rural districts such as Paphos and Famagusta were more likely to perceive the GeSY as unreliable compared to those living in urban areas like Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca.
The authors of the study call for special attention to differences in how men and women perceive the system's reliability to avoid systematic biases in care delivery. They also urge policymakers to prioritize trust-building and reliability enhancements while managing public expectations.
Despite many citizens still feeling underserved and remaining skeptical about the benefits of GeSY, the survey's findings indicate a strong belief that the system should provide more and better services in the future. The authors of the study published in the Archives of Public Health analyzed the views of 445 respondents across all districts of Cyprus.
- The technical problems persisting with the GHS software system in Cyprus, causing frequent crashes and outages, have resulted in a significant decline in trust and confidence among users and healthcare professionals.
- The Health Minister, Michael Damianos, reaffirms that GeSY, despite its relative newness, remains a significant achievement for Cyprus and emphasizes the necessity of resolving technical issues, reducing abuses, and improving services to build public trust.
- The survey revealed that younger participants (ages 16-18) expressed greater satisfaction and trust in GeSY compared to older age groups, and residents in rural districts like Paphos and Famagusta were more likely to perceive the system as unreliable.
- To improve GeSY's functionality and public confidence, proposed changes include permanent resolution of technical issues, strengthening oversight, reducing systemic abuses, and providing better services in urban and rural areas alike.
- The survey's authors urge policymakers to prioritize efforts to build trust and enhance reliability while managing public expectations, as well as to address potential gender biases in care delivery.
- The study calls for special attention to the differences in how men and women perceive the system's reliability to ensure equitable and effective care delivery across Cyprus.
- The EU, with its focus on workplace wellness, health and wellness, fitness and exercise, mental health, and nutrition, should closely follow the developments in Cyprus's policy and legislation regarding the General Health System (GeSY) and offer support and guidance where necessary.8.The ongoing political debates and general news coverage centering around GeSY underscore the significance of addressing its issues and implementing effective policies to ensure a sustainable and efficient public healthcare system in Cyprus.
