Doctors’ strike disrupts public hospitals across the island

Public hospitals across Cyprus are grappling with disruptions today as a 48-hour strike by government doctors gets underway. Talks between the State Health Services Organization (OKYpY) and doctors' unions broke down yesterday, leaving no resolution to prevent the strike, which is set to continue through tomorrow.

The strike has prompted significant adjustments in hospital operations. All scheduled outpatient clinics, surgeries, and non-urgent procedures have been postponed, with rescheduling falling under OKYpY’s responsibility. Emergency cases, however, will still be handled, with critical patients being prioritized at Nicosia and Limassol General Hospitals.

Accident and Emergency Departments (AEDs) at these two hospitals are operating with skeleton staff, ensuring that life-threatening cases receive immediate care. Pediatric emergency departments are also running under similar conditions. Less severe emergencies (categories ESI-2 and ESI-3) will be redirected to private hospital facilities by ambulance, coordinated by the Ministry of Health.

Hospitals in Paphos, Larnaca, Famagusta, Troodos, and Polis Chrysochous are also managing critical patients, with resources stretched to ensure immediate evaluations and treatments for serious cases.

OKYpY spokesman Charalambos Harilaou assured the public that contingency measures have been put in place to minimize the impact of the strike. However, the disruption is evident, with healthcare workers struggling to balance emergency care and reduced resources.

Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela expressed disappointment over the strike, describing it as unnecessary. Speaking on SPOR FM, he emphasized that OKYpY had presented a plan of incentives for discussion with the unions, which could have averted the strike.

The doctors’ unions, represented by PASYKI, argue that unresolved issues, including concerns over working conditions and staffing levels, left them with no alternative.

As the strike continues, patients are advised to avoid non-urgent visits to public hospitals and to seek private care where possible. The situation underscores ongoing tensions within Cyprus’ public healthcare system, raising questions about the adequacy of resources and support for healthcare professionals.