Unanimous vote in favour
Cyprus’ House of Representatives approved the GESY psychologists law with 45 votes in favour, marking a key step in expanding mental health services within the national system.
MP Alekos Tryfonides, who submitted the proposal, led the initiative on behalf of the DIPA party.
Counselling psychologists join GESY
The new legislation amends existing law to include counselling psychologists in the category of “other health professionals” under GESY. This change allows them to provide mental health services through the system.
Tryfonides said the reform reflects a coordinated effort and stressed that counselling psychology is an independent and vital pillar that addresses issues beyond clinical psychology. He described the move as a decisive step towards modernising Cyprus’ healthcare system and ensuring inclusive, quality mental health services.
Mixed reactions despite support
AKEL MP Christos Christofias said his party supports the inclusion of counselling psychologists in GESY but raised concerns about the process. He argued that such matters should fall under the responsibility of the Health Ministry and the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO), rather than Parliament through legislative proposals.
He warned that this approach could set a precedent, though he confirmed that AKEL backed the bill. He also claimed that the HIO already appeared ready to proceed with the inclusion regardless of the law’s passage.
Dispute over delays and political motives
DISY MP Charalambos Pazaros rejected claims of political opportunism, saying discussions with the HIO had been ongoing for a year and were not linked to elections. He pointed to delays in setting a clear timeline for integrating counselling psychologists, stressing that mental health requires immediate and universal access.
Limassol MP Andreas Themistocleous criticised political positions that support legislation despite expressing disagreement, raising questions about political consistency.
Responding, Christofias clarified that AKEL does not oppose the substance of the bill but remains concerned about the institutional process and precedent.
In his closing remarks, Tryfonides said consultations lasted three years and accused the HIO of failing to resolve the issue. He argued that the legislation addresses a long-standing gap in the system.
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