The Cyprus Ministry of Health is advancing a strategic plan to strengthen public hospitals and address the long-standing shortage of nurses.
Tackling the nursing shortage
Health Minister Neophytos Charalambidis highlighted during his first appearance before the Parliamentary Health Committee that staffing hospitals with qualified nurses remains a chronic challenge. He emphasised that the state is taking continuous steps to improve conditions and expand healthcare services.
The Ministry has launched a campaign to attract nursing staff, resulting in an approximate 85% increase in the number of professionals joining the system in recent years. Despite this growth, demand continues to rise faster due to the expansion of healthcare services and additional hospital beds.
Strategic capacity planning
Minister Charalambidis announced the development of a capacity plan, a strategic assessment of the healthcare system’s future needs, expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
“Accurately determining the system’s real needs is crucial, as current figures are conflicting,” he noted. An expert report, due by 8 March, will help map actual staffing requirements and guide the Ministry’s next steps.
Infrastructure and legislative initiatives
Alongside recruitment, the Ministry is focusing on improving hospital infrastructure. Charalambidis confirmed that public hospitals remain the core priority of the health system. He also referred to legislative initiatives currently before the House of Representatives, acknowledging that some proposals have sparked debate.
Long-term vision
The Ministry’s approach combines immediate staffing interventions, infrastructural upgrades, and forward-looking planning to ensure that Cyprus’ healthcare system can meet growing demands in the coming years.
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