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There’s been a new storm brewing in Cyprus' public health system after two complaints were filed against doctors allegedly asking for bribes to expedite patient appointments and surgeries. Efthimios Diplaros, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Health Committee and Deputy Chairman of the DISY party, confirmed that the complaints were made by relatives of patients who reported being asked for money in exchange for faster treatment.
Diplaros shared the details during a recent interview on "ALPHA Kalimera" and said that over the last seven months, there were multiple instances where doctors involved with the General Health Insurance System (GESY) were accused of asking for money to jump the queue for surgeries or medical appointments. According to Diplaros, the amounts mentioned in the complaints ranged from €150 to €200, with patients' families asked to pay for speedier appointments.
“It's hard to prove these claims unless the police get involved,” Diplaros noted, acknowledging the challenge of substantiating these accusations without proper evidence. However, he emphasized that with support from both the Ministry of Health and the relevant authorities, the goal is to identify and remove any wrongdoers from the system.
In response to these troubling allegations, PASYKI, the Pancyprian Union of Government Doctors, has come out strongly against bribery and corruption. They categorically condemned the actions of any medical professional involved in such activities and stressed that the vast majority of doctors in the public system work with professionalism and integrity. PASYKI's statement highlighted the importance of maintaining public trust and ensuring transparency in the health sector.
“While we fully condemn bribery, we must also acknowledge that the vast majority of doctors work every day with dedication and respect for their patients,” PASYKI said, stressing that it was vital to hold anyone who compromises this trust accountable.
The union’s stance comes in the wake of disturbing reports of a specific doctor working within the OKYpY (Cyprus’ Health Services Organisation), who allegedly demanded money from patients without issuing receipts. PASYKI called for strict and multi-level oversight of the health system to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As the calls for action continue to grow, the Ministry of Health and law enforcement agencies are under increasing pressure to investigate these claims and take action against any medical professionals found to be engaged in corrupt practices. For now, the focus remains on upholding the dignity of both doctors and patients and ensuring that ethical standards are upheld across the health sector.
