The Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) has launched a pilot scheme offering financial incentives and penalties to gynaecologists in an effort to reduce unnecessary caesarean sections.
Under the scheme, which began yesterday, doctors working within the General Health System (GHS) can receive bonuses of up to 15% for maintaining caesarean rates within specified limits, while those exceeding these limits could face payment reductions of up to 35%.
The initiative applies only to uncomplicated caesarean sections, excluding those medically necessary for the safety of mother and child. Doctors performing fewer than 30% caesarean sections will receive a 15% bonus on their total delivery income, while those between 30.01% and 40% will receive a 5% bonus.
No penalties or bonuses will apply for rates between 40.01% and 50%. However, penalties begin at rates above 50%, with deductions increasing progressively:
- 5% reduction for rates between 50.01-60%
- 10% reduction for 60.01-70%
- 15% reduction for 70.01-80%
- 25% reduction for 80.01-90%
- 35% reduction for rates above 90%
The HIO will monitor caesarean rates per doctor per hospital monthly, with doctors working across multiple hospitals receiving separate reports for each facility. Hospitals will receive reports showing caesarean rates for all their affiliated doctors.
The scheme will be fully implemented following the completion of clinical guidelines for caesarean sections, expected in the first quarter of 2025.
Cyprus has among the highest rates of births delivered by caesarian section in the world and in 2021 it had the highest in Europe.
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