A public dispute has erupted between the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) and the Cyprus Nurses' Union (PASYNO) ahead of a parliamentary debate on proposed measures to address staffing shortages in the healthcare sector.
The confrontation centres on a legislative proposal that would allow private hospitals to meet up to 10% of their nursing workforce needs through recruitment from third countries.
OEB accuses union of deflecting attention
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the OEB criticised comments made by a PASYNO representative on state radio, accusing the union of diverting attention from the underlying staffing crisis.
The employers' organisation said the remarks were offensive and contained unsubstantiated allegations against private hospitals and their management teams.
According to the OEB, such statements undermine efforts to find solutions to a long-standing workforce shortage. It also warned that if the comments reflected PASYNO's official position, prospects for constructive dialogue would be significantly reduced.
Union raises labour rights concerns
PASYNO, meanwhile, has challenged claims by private hospitals that staff shortages have forced the closure of hospital beds.
The union called on the Ministry of Health to verify whether those claims are accurate.
It also said it had received complaints from nurses working in the private sector alleging violations of labour rights. According to the union, some nurses have been asked to perform duties typically assigned to cleaners, assistants and porters.
PASYNO further alleged that some employees had faced threats of dismissal linked to the prospect of hospitals hiring nurses from third countries.
Debate over foreign recruitment
The union expressed reservations about the proposal allowing hospitals to source up to 10% of their nursing staff from outside the EU, raising concerns about employee protection and service quality.
It also called on the Health Minister to publish the study conducted on nursing workforce needs, arguing that its findings support the union's position.
Hospitals cite serious shortages
The Pancyprian Association of Private Hospitals (PASIN) says staffing shortages are already affecting patient care.
PASIN president Marios Karaiskakis said more than 50 hospital beds, including intensive care unit beds, are currently out of service because of a lack of nurses.
He also reported cases in which major operations had been postponed because no ICU beds were available for post-operative treatment.
Karaiskakis said private-sector estimates initially pointed to a shortfall of around 400 nurses, while a Health Ministry study reportedly placed the figure closer to 600.
Issue heads to parliament
The dispute will be discussed on Thursday by the House Health Committee, which is due to examine amendments to nursing and midwifery legislation, as well as regulations governing professional registration and licensing.
The OEB argues that the government's proposals will not fully solve the problem but could help alleviate staffing shortages.
It also urged lawmakers to prioritise the interests of patients and the wider public when considering the measures.
