Resolution on drug shortage issue expected next week

Health Minister Michalis Damianos anticipates a solution to the ongoing drug shortage issue by early next week, he announced Friday. Damianos assured that the Ministry is actively engaging with counterparts in Greece, including Deputy Health Minister Marios Themistocleous.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Dialysis Unit at St. George Private Hospital in Pafos, Damianos addressed concerns raised by journalists regarding labor disputes at the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY). He emphasized the ministry's goal of achieving industrial peace and pledged to seek updates on the impending pharmacist strike scheduled for next week.

"We will seek clarification from OKYPY," Damianos stated in Pafos, "to resolve this issue promptly because maintaining labor harmony in public hospitals is crucial."

Regarding the medication shortages and consultations with Greece to bridge the gap, Damianos mentioned recent communications with Greek authorities, including Themistocleous, stating confidence that the problem will be resolved either today or early next week.

"The current issue will be resolved," he added.

The Health Minister highlighted broader challenges faced by small EU member states, like Cyprus, in attracting pharmaceutical industries, leading to both shortages and pricing disparities among medications.

"This is a challenge for all small EU countries, including Cyprus, which we are collectively addressing within the EU framework to ensure adequacy and fair pricing of medications," Damianos explained.

He criticized the disparity where smaller countries pay more for drugs compared to larger, potentially more developed nations, stressing the need for collective EU action on this matter.

When asked about recent labor disputes consuming significant ministry attention last week and prospects for lasting resolution, Damianos affirmed the Ministry's commitment to fostering workplace harmony.

"The Ministry of Health plays a supervisory role over OKYPY without replacing it," Damianos clarified, adding that they intervene as mediators as agreed with government doctors and wherever necessary to facilitate conflict resolution.

"We believe such issues should be resolved internally by OKYPY and its associations. The sooner these issues are resolved, the sooner the organization can effectively fulfill its mandate," he emphasized.

Commenting on the inauguration of a new unit at St. George Private Hospital, Cyanos Stavros Blue Cross, Damianos expressed optimism about expanding healthcare facilities beyond the capital.

"It is always positive to see new healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas," he said with enthusiasm. Damianos stressed the importance of strong collaboration between the public and private sectors within the Health System, emphasizing patient choice under the General Healthcare System (GESY) for optimal patient care.

He also commended private sector efforts to enhance service quality through new installations.

[Information sourced from CNA]