New law reshapes ambulance services
Cyprus’s parliament has approved legislation establishing a National Ambulance Authority, introducing major changes to how ambulance services operate under the General Healthcare System (GESY).
The new framework ensures that state ambulances will be reserved exclusively for life-threatening emergencies, while licensed private providers will take over non-emergency patient transfers.
Private sector to handle non-emergency cases
Currently, the Ambulance Service manages more than 95,000 transfers annually, with over 45,000 classified as non-emergency. These include transport for bedridden patients to hospitals or diagnostic centres, as well as transfers between medical facilities.
Under the new law, private ambulance providers will be licensed and assessed against strict criteria to handle these cases, aiming to reduce pressure on public emergency services.
Transition to new authority by end of 2026
The legislation also removes the Ambulance Service from the State Health Services Organisation (SHSO), where it had been placed on a temporary basis following the introduction of GESY.
The transition to the new Ambulance Authority is scheduled to be completed by 31 December 2026. SHSO has indicated it will seek compensation for investments made in the service, including equipment, staffing, infrastructure and operational costs.
Expanded oversight and regulation
The National Ambulance Authority will oversee all ambulance services in Cyprus, including planning, coordination and supervision. It will also be responsible for certifying the safety and suitability of ambulances and operating an Accident and Emergency Management Centre.
Three official registries will be maintained for providers, ambulances and paramedics, with registration required for legal operation. The authority will also have inspection powers and the ability to impose penalties for violations, while setting standards for training and professional competence.
Political debate over private involvement
An amendment proposed by AKEL to allow public services to continue handling non-emergency cases was rejected. The move confirms a shift towards private sector involvement in non-critical patient transport within the GESY framework.
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