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The Pancyprian Veterinary Association is calling foul over a new decision by the Health Insurance Organization (HIO) to block the distribution of oncology drugs for animal use, a move veterinarians say is already leading to preventable animal deaths.
In a strongly worded statement issued this week, the Association expressed “strong indignation and disappointment” at the immediate ban, which was implemented without a transition period or prior consultation. The HIO cited potential shortages in the human supply of cancer medications as justification for the prohibition.
But the Veterinary Association argues that the decision is both unethical and shortsighted. "Animals diagnosed with cancer are now being deprived of lifesaving treatment, not because a solution doesn't exist, but because access to it is being denied," the statement read. "This is an inhumane and deeply unjust development that affects not only the animals but also their guardians, who are left in despair."
Veterinarians warn that several animals across the island are already suffering the consequences, with some expected to die as a direct result of the ban.
The Association criticized what it sees as systemic neglect by the HIO, noting that the organization has long been aware that certain cancer medications, including lomustine, doxorubicin, chlorambucil, and melphalan, are used in veterinary oncology. Despite this, the HIO has not made provisions to include animal needs in its pharmaceutical procurement processes.
In its current structure, the HIO’s monopoly over these drugs, none of which are available through private pharmacies in Cyprus, means veterinarians are effectively blocked from obtaining necessary treatments, even though they are legally entitled to prescribe them under Article 112 of European Regulation (EU) 6/2019 when no veterinary equivalent exists.
The Association emphasized that it is not asking for human cancer patients to be deprioritized. Instead, it is calling for better planning and coordination to ensure that adequate supplies are ordered to cover the needs of both humans and animals.
“This is not about taking medication away from people,” the Association said. “It’s about ensuring that there is a fair and responsible distribution system that doesn’t overlook animal patients, who also suffer and deserve care.”
The group is now urging the HIO, the Ministry of Health, and the Pharmaceutical Services to urgently review and reverse the decision. It is calling for a permanent, institutionalized solution that guarantees uninterrupted access to oncology drugs for veterinary use.
“Cyprus must not allow its most vulnerable patients, be they human or animal, to fall through the cracks of bureaucratic oversight,” the Association said.
