Government greenlights patient advocate to oversee healthcare issues

The Council of Ministers approved on Thursday a bill to institute a Patient Advocate, with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, underlining, during the Cabinet meeting, the importance of the health sector as a key priority for the government.

President Christodoulides explained that the independent institution of the Patient Advocate will have the authority to examine complaints and claims concerning patients' rights, not only within the General Healthcare System (GHS) but also outside of it. It will also, he continued, be responsible, among many other things, for providing information and preparing relevant recommendations.

He also noted that the decision also establishes an Advisory Committee, whose mission will be to support the work and actions of the Patient Advocate, while at the same time the role and responsibilities of the Committees for the Examination of Patient Complaints will be strengthened.

Health Minister, Michael Damianos, speaking after the Cabinet meeting said that "with this bill, the Ministry of Health is taking a decisive step towards ensuring the rights of patients, both within and outside the GHS."

He added that the innovations promoted through the proposed bill are crucial for strengthening patients' rights and improving the quality of health services in the country.

Damianos urged the House of Representatives to proceed with its vote for the implementation of this important initiative that will have a direct positive impact on society.

The Minister of Health also announced a decree, as of today, Thursday, to repeal all measures relating to COVID 19 which remained in force, including the use of masks in hospitals and nursing homes.