Public hospitals in Cyprus are reducing bed numbers as a response to chronic understaffing, a move raising concerns over the long-term resilience of the national healthcare system.
Persistent vacancies in both medical and nursing roles have led to critical staff shortages. This has increased the burden on existing healthcare professionals, many of whom are working extended overtime to cover the gaps.
The situation is further complicated by long-term staff absences, which stretch resources even thinner. Health workers and unions have warned that these pressures risk compromising the quality of patient care and the sustainability of services.
Reducing available beds is being framed as a temporary measure to balance limited personnel with patient safety, but critics argue it signals a deeper structural issue in the health system.
Also read: Limassol GH outpatient clinics without doctors from Wednesday
