Newsroom
Former Health Minister Giorgos Pamboridis has made explosive claims about attempts to undermine Cyprus’ General Health System (GESY), warning that financial and political interests are working behind the scenes to weaken the public healthcare scheme.
Speaking on Protoselido on Sigma, Pamboridis pointed fingers at those who profited before GESY was implemented, alleging that they are now seeking to destabilize it to reclaim their financial gains. His remarks came in response to recent statements by Health Minister Michalis Damianou, who questioned the system’s effectiveness, a position Pamboridis dismissed as outrageous.
He also accused the government of deliberately blocking new hires at the Health Insurance Organization (OAY), suggesting this could be an intentional move to create inefficiencies and fuel public dissatisfaction with GESY.
Beyond financial motives, Pamboridis highlighted political maneuvering, claiming that public hospitals are being treated as tools for political favors. "The (people that have been working for a long time) at the Health Ministry want full control over public hospitals, and so do politicians, so they can use them for personal and party agendas. Half of our MPs spend their time securing hospital beds for their voters, as if they own them," he said.
His bold statements add fuel to the ongoing debate over the future of GESY, a system many view as a major healthcare reform, but which continues to face resistance from various quarters.
