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A Cyprus prison employee who took more than 200 sick days a year, backed by 111 medical certificates but only six recorded doctor visits, has become the most eye-catching example in a new Audit Office report exposing serious gaps in how staff sick leave is monitored.
The report points to widespread problems inside the Prisons Department, where high numbers of sick leave absences are affecting staffing levels and daily operations.
According to auditors, a significant share of prison staff regularly exceeds 42 days of sick leave annually, a level authorities say begins to disrupt services. In the past two years alone, 44 employees went beyond that limit, while 34 staff members exceeded it for three straight years between 2022 and 2024.
In 2024, about 17% of prison personnel took more than 42 sick days, down from 23% in 2023 and 27% in 2022, but still considered high given existing staff shortages.
Certificates raise concerns
Auditors found several cases where large numbers of medical certificates were issued by just two doctors. In a targeted sample of 17 prison guards, eight had accumulated between 43 and 229 sick days per year using numerous certificates from the same physicians.
The most striking case involved an employee who justified absences exceeding 200 days annually in both 2023 and 2024 by submitting 111 medical certificates, about 95% from two doctors, despite only six related visits appearing in the national GeSY health system.
Missing paperwork and delayed checks
The report also found that some staff delayed submitting required medical documents despite repeated internal instructions, making it difficult for medical boards to verify illnesses.
As of April 30, 2025, responses were still pending for 13 cases referred to medical boards involving 12 employees.
In some instances, staff failed to attend scheduled medical examinations without facing consequences.
Auditors said reviews often take place long after sick leave periods end, meaning medical experts cannot properly assess the original health issues.
Long absences highlighted
One prison guard filed 88 separate sick leave requests over two years, totaling 323 days off work.
In another case, an employee promoted to inspector remained on sick leave for 488 days. After returning to work for just one day in early 2025, the employee again became eligible for paid sick leave and remained absent during the audit period.
Medical boards repeatedly recommended transferring the employee to different duties, but a final decision from medical authorities is still pending.
Pressure on prisons
The Audit Office warns that weak monitoring, delayed procedures, and frequent long-term absences are placing increasing pressure on prison staffing and operations.
Auditors called for stricter controls and faster medical evaluations to ensure sick leave is properly justified and prisons can function smoothly.
