Greek Medical Association says no to Greek doctor's participation in GHS

The decision by the Greek Medical Association is expected to create serious problems for the implementation of the General Healthcare System, as it prevents its members from working in the GHS.

The Health Insurance Organization which is tasked with implementing the GHS was eyeing to fill the staffing gaps with doctors from Greece following the refusal of the Cyprus Medical Association to participate in the scheme.

The decision was communicated to the CMA on the 15th of January and was published today by Kathimerini.

President of the Greek Medical Association Michalis Vlastarakos said that the Association worries that Greek doctors will be used as a lever to pressure their colleagues in Cyprus. 

"Following recent statements by officials in Cyprus regarding the search for Greek medical practitioners for the purpose of staffing the GHS, we categorically state that in no case will we advocate immigration of our members with the consequent risk of medical inflation and the annihilation of our Cypriot colleagues", said Vlastarakos.

Health Minister Costantinos Ioannou speaking to Kathimerini said that it is not the intention of the Ministry and HIO to bring doctors to Cyprus but to register the ones that are already here.

However, the Minister said, relying on economic data available, the GHS is appealing to doctors from abroad. Especially for Greek doctors, there will be interest, because he said "the compensation is much higher than in Greece so there is interest".