The President of the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association has defended the current pharmacy opening hours, saying the existing system serves the public effectively and that the association remains willing to address genuine local concerns where needed.
Speaking on Sigma TV’s Protoselido programme, Ploutarchos Georgiades dismissed recent claims that pharmacy opening hours are problematic, describing them as a personal opinion that had created unnecessary uncertainty.
He said the current schedule was approved by 87% of members at the association’s General Assembly in July 2025. Under the system, on-duty pharmacies remain open until 11pm, after which an on-call pharmacist can reach the pharmacy within around 10 minutes for emergency cases.
Response to Tylliria concerns
Addressing complaints about services in remote areas, Georgiades rejected claims that the Pyrgos Tyllirias area lacks pharmacy coverage.
He said two private pharmacies have been operating there for the past two years, while an on-duty pharmacy has also been serving Polis Chrysochous since last year.
He added that if communities submit official requests highlighting genuine access problems, the association is prepared to examine them and seek appropriate solutions.
Citizens urged to file official complaints
Responding to reports on social media alleging that some on-duty pharmacies fail to answer calls or assist patients, Georgiades said every official complaint is investigated.
He encouraged members of the public to contact either the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association or the Pharmaceutical Services so that the proper procedures can be followed and any necessary action taken.
Around 700 pharmacies across Cyprus
According to Georgiades, approximately 700 pharmacies currently operate across Cyprus, with many located within a short distance of one another.
He stressed that private pharmacies operate with a patient-centred approach and should not be viewed as ordinary retail businesses.
What happens after 11pm?
Georgiades clarified that on-call pharmacists are required to open pharmacies after 11pm only for emergencies, such as when a patient has just been discharged from an Accident and Emergency Department or holds an urgent medical prescription.
He also urged the public not to delay filling prescriptions until late at night if they had been issued earlier in the day, helping to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
Regarding tourist areas, he noted that Cyprus operates seasonal pharmacies during the summer months to meet increased demand, adding that similar arrangements are not common in many popular tourist destinations abroad.
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