Serious staffing problems continue to affect the General Hospital of Famagusta, with shortages in key medical specialities and a need for further nursing staff, according to a statement by Famagusta District Local Government Organisation President Yiannis Karousos.
Karousos said he has written to the Minister of Health and the President of the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY), requesting immediate answers and a specific timetable to address the problems.
“The situation today is a serious cause for concern,” he said.
Limited pulmonology and neurology coverage
Karousos said there is no daily presence of a pulmonologist at the hospital, noting that, according to the information available to him, there are only three to four visits per month, despite the hospital treating serious respiratory cases.
He also pointed to limited neurology coverage, saying a neurologist is available only once a week, despite patients being treated for strokes and other serious neurological conditions.
“The waiting list for an examination exceeds six to seven months,” he added.
Concerns over ophthalmology and nursing staff
Karousos said that while the hospital previously had daily ophthalmology coverage, there is currently no equivalent permanent presence, despite the fact that serious cases may require immediate ophthalmological assessment.
At the same time, he stressed the need for additional nursing staff to ensure the safe and efficient operation of hospital departments.
Karousos is also seeking official information on whether doctors or positions previously assigned to Famagusta Hospital have been transferred to other public hospitals, and, if so, why and how they have been replaced.
‘Famagusta is asking for the basics’
“Famagusta is not asking for preferential treatment. It is asking for the basics,” Karousos said.
He added that a district hospital serving residents across the entire free Famagusta district, as well as one of Cyprus’ largest tourist areas, cannot be left without adequate and daily coverage in key medical specialties.
“The issue is not political and should not be turned into a political confrontation. It is an issue of public health, patient safety and equal treatment for the Famagusta district,” the Famagusta District Local Government Organisation president said.
He called on the Ministry of Health and OKYPY to provide “specific answers, specific actions and a clear timetable.”
“Famagusta Hospital must be strengthened. And it must be strengthened now,” he concluded.
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