Cyprus’s diabetes society has renewed calls for official recognition of diabetes specialisation, telling a parliamentary health committee that medical expertise is essential regardless of available equipment and medications.
The Cyprus Diabetes Society representative addressed the House Health Committee on Thursday during discussions on challenges facing diabetic patients and Cyprus’s diabetes management approach.
“Bring whatever medicines and equipment you want, without specialisation and training of doctors and other health professionals, we cannot progress,” the society spokesperson said, emphasising a longstanding demand from medical professionals.
The representative stressed that specialisation and training discussions should extend beyond medications and consumables for diabetic patients, describing the issue as one that has been debated extensively.
Doctors attending the session requested expansion of protocols governing injectable diabetes medications provided through the General Healthcare System (GHS). Currently, the Health Insurance Organisation reimburses only individuals with diabetes, while international guidelines and medication indications also cover individuals with proven obesity.
Gnosia Achnioti, a senior Health Insurance Organisation official, provided detailed information on medical equipment and consumables available to Cyprus diabetics through GHS.
Achnioti noted that diabetic patients now have five different glucose monitoring device options available, compared to a single option previously offered.
Regarding advanced technology equipment, Achnioti said diabetics meeting specific criteria have access to continuous glucose monitoring systems since December. She added that a legal proceeding remains pending from a company that participated in the relevant tender but did not secure the contract.
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