Cyprus vets protest ban on animal cancer drugs, expressing deep frustration over a sudden decision by the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) to prohibit the use of human oncology medications for animals, citing supply shortage risks.
In a strongly worded statement, the Pancyprian Veterinary Association called on the HIO, the Ministry of Health, and the Pharmaceutical Services to urgently review their position. The association stressed the need for a structured, institutionalised, and permanent solution to ensure that veterinary cancer patients are not deprived of life-saving treatment.
The ban came into force without any transition period, and according to the association, there are already confirmed cases of animals diagnosed with cancer being denied necessary medication. “Some of these animals will die—not because treatment is unavailable, but because they are denied access to it,” the statement reads. The association called the development “inhumane and deeply unjust”, saying it affects not only the animals but also their owners, who are forced to witness their pets suffer needlessly.
The association also criticised the HIO for continuing to ignore the known veterinary use of these drugs when planning pharmaceutical supply. “It is unacceptable that the organisation knowingly excludes animals from access to these treatments, effectively creating a state-controlled monopoly, as these medicines are not available from any private pharmacy in Cyprus,” it said.
Cypriot veterinarians are legally allowed to prescribe human medicines under Article 112 of the European Regulation (EU) 6/2019, particularly in cases where no veterinary alternatives exist. This clearly applies to oncology drugs with active substances such as lomustine, doxorubicin, chlorambucil, and melphalan, among others.
The association clarified that it does not advocate restricting human cancer patients’ access to treatment. Instead, it is urging authorities to plan accordingly and secure sufficient supplies to cover the needs of both people and animals.
The Pancyprian Veterinary Association is now calling once more on the HIO, the Ministry of Health, and the Pharmaceutical Services to reconsider their position immediately and take all necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted and regulated access to these vital medications for animals.
Source: CNA
Feature photo source: iStock
Also read: Audit of agriculture ministry reveals irregularities and concerns
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel.
