Cyprus: Health System Review 2024

The review of Cyprus’s health system is the 2024 Health System Review, published by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. This comprehensive analysis provides an in-depth look at the developments and challenges within Cyprus’s healthcare landscape, particularly focusing on the implementation and impact of the General Healthcare System (GeSY).

Key Highlights:

Universal Health Coverage: Since the introduction of GeSY in June 2019, Cyprus has achieved universal health coverage, integrating both public and private healthcare providers. This system is funded through contributions from beneficiaries, employers, and the state budget.

Reduction in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: One of the significant achievements of GeSY is the substantial decrease in out-of-pocket (OOP) payments. In 2018, OOP constituted 45% of total health expenditure, which declined to 15% by 2022, indicating improved financial protection for patients.

Primary Care and Gatekeeping: The system emphasizes primary care, with personal doctors serving as the first point of contact and gatekeepers to specialized services. This approach has contributed to a reduction in unmet medical needs, from 1.4% in 2018 to 0.1% in 2022.

Challenges Ahead: Despite these advancements, the health system faces challenges, including the need for:

– Reorganization and reform of public hospitals to enhance administrative and financial autonomy.

– Implementation of e-health solutions, such as electronic health records.

– Integration of quality and performance indicators into provider compensation mechanisms.

– Development of medical and therapeutic protocols to standardize care.