Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides acknowledged cases of overuse in the General Health System (GHS) as he presented his ministry’s 2027 budget of 1.492 billion euros to the House Finance Committee, saying the aim was to use savings from tackling overuse and modernising structures to improve care and broaden coverage.
The budget is up 47.5 million euros, or 3.3 per cent, on 2026, and includes a new 1.5 million euro scholarship scheme to attract students to nursing courses.
GHS review
Charalambides said some aspects of the GHS needed to be reassessed, but made clear he was not questioning the quality of its services.
“There is, however, significant room for improvement,” he said, pointing first to cases of overuse and second to savings that could be made by modernising structures.
He made particular mention of physiotherapy and dental services, and said he had already asked for specific plans to be drawn up, but did not announce any changes or a timetable.
Nursing staff
The scholarships are intended to strengthen future staffing of the health services. A further 664,200 euros is earmarked for continuing professional training for nurses, paramedics and medical staff.
On planned legislation to hire nurses from non-EU countries, Charalambides said they would meet needs temporarily, until new nurses in Cyprus complete their studies, and the aim was not a permanent reliance on staff from abroad.
Where the money goes
Of the increase, 38 million euros, or about 80 per cent, goes to the government’s general contribution to the GHS, which rises from 870 million euros to 908 million euros.
The budget allocates 2.72 million euros to population screening programmes, 7 million euros to boost the infertility scheme and 750,000 euros to hearing aids. It also allocates 1.13 million euros to the National Cancer Institute and 150,000 euros to launch the National Centre for Clinical Documentation.
It allocates 10 million euros to sending patients and their escorts abroad for treatment, and 3.63 million euros to cross-border healthcare. The minister said the state or the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) was considering buying an aircraft to transfer patients abroad, with a decision depending on an assessment of needs and costs.
Development projects at state hospitals worth a total of 215.6 million euros are also planned, with spending of 54.7 million euros expected in 2027.
