Cyprus enters second phase of GESY

After a long a protracted internal battle in the Republic of Cyprus, the implementation of the second and final phase of the country’s first and only General Health System begins on Monday.

The Republic of Cyprus entered the second and final stage of the implementation of GHS, known colloquially as GESY, on Monday morning, 1 June.

The final phase includes introduction of all the remaining healthcare services, such as inpatient healthcare and services, services offered by network health professionals, nurses and midwifes, the accident and emergency departments, ambulance services, dentists, palliative healthcare services and medical rehabilitation services.

Health professionals who sign up for the GESY network include clinical dieticians, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, and clinical psychologists, according ot the Cyprus News Agency.

GHS Director Andreas Papaconstantinou told CNA that the second stage begins with a very large participation from the private sector, reaching almost 100%.

Together with the State Health Services Organisation, Papaconstantinou added, the eight biggest hospitals on the island, they will be a great force in the second phase of the health system with 75-80% bed capacity on a national level, covering the needs of all districts.

Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou called on the public to remain patient, urging people to allow time for the system to operate.

The GESY director also echoed the minsiter's concern, admitting that he would anticipate some problems in the next few days.

"We must monitor the system and gradually help it to overcome any problems so we can see the great benefits of the second phase," Papaconstantinou told CNA.