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A growing controversy has emerged in Cyprus after reports that the Health Insurance Organization (HIO) has denied access to several vital medications and therapies for patients with cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other serious chronic conditions.
Parliamentary Health Committee chairman Efthymios Diplaros publicly condemned the decisions, calling them “incomprehensible” and accusing the HIO of operating through opaque and unjustified procedures. He argued that the agency’s actions have effectively deprived patients of essential treatments that could extend or improve their lives.
Among the therapies allegedly rejected are internationally approved medications such as Otezla, Colobreathe, Stelara, Rotigotine Patch, and Pembrolizumab, as well as palliative immunotherapy injections for terminal cancer patients. Diplaros stressed that these drugs are not optional or experimental but represent the only available means for patients to manage their illnesses.
According to Diplaros, even requests submitted by specialized physicians with scientific documentation have been turned down, leaving patients in despair. He warned that such decisions are not mere administrative oversights but life-and-death choices that undermine the principles of a fair and compassionate healthcare system.
As deputy leader of the Democratic Rally (DISY), Diplaros has called for a comprehensive investigation into all cases of rejected treatment requests and has urged that an independent medical committee review the decisions.
Γραπτή Δήλωση
— Efthimios Diplaros (@diplarose) November 12, 2025
Απαράδεκτες απορρίψεις φαρμάκων από τον ΟΑΥ. Η ανθρώπινη ζωή δεν μπαίνει σε αναμονή.
Με βαθιά οργή και απογοήτευση καταγγέλλω τη συνεχιζόμενη και ανεξήγητη τακτική του Οργανισμού Ασφάλισης Υγείας (#ΟΑΥ) να απορρίπτει αιτήματα ασθενών για σωτήρια φάρμακα και… pic.twitter.com/X5v4E2NIhI
