Newsroom
A private hospital in Nicosia has been suspended from Cyprus’ General Healthcare System (GHS) after Legionella bacteria were detected at the facility, prompting the suspension of its operating licence by the Ministry of Health.
The Health Insurance Organisation (HIO), which administers the GHS, confirmed on Wednesday that it had suspended its contract with the hospital on the same day it received official notification of the licensing decision.
The contractual suspension took effect at the date and time specified in the relevant decree and will remain in force for as long as the hospital is prohibited from operating under its licence.
As a result, the facility cannot admit new patients under the GHS or claim reimbursement for healthcare services covered by the system during the suspension period.
Arrangements for existing patients
Patients already receiving treatment at the hospital will be managed in accordance with the applicable legislation and instructions issued by the Registrar of Private Hospitals at the Ministry of Health.
The HIO said its response followed established procedures for contracted private hospitals whose operating licences have been suspended. Such cases trigger the suspension of the provider’s GHS contract in line with the terms of the agreement and the General Healthcare System Law.
The hospital must notify the HIO immediately if the decree is lifted or revoked, providing official documentation to support its request. The organisation will then consider whether its contract can be reinstated.
Ministry retains licensing authority
The HIO stressed that decisions to issue, lift or revoke orders affecting the operating licences of private hospitals fall under the authority of the Registrar of Private Hospitals, rather than the organisation itself.
The HIO said it was monitoring the situation and would continue taking action within its remit under the applicable legal and contractual framework.
The statement did not identify the hospital by name or provide further details about the Legionella detection.
