Private hospitals are facing mounting operational pressure due to a severe shortage of nursing staff, according to the President of the Pancyprian Association of Private Hospitals. The situation, he said, risks escalating into a structural challenge for the wider health system if immediate measures are not adopted.
In statements to state radio, the President of the Pancyprian Association of Private Hospitals (PASIN), Marios Karaiskakis, referred to the issue as a “time bomb” within the healthcare sector.
Warning over sustainability of services
Mr Karaiskakis stated that despite repeated meetings and assurances, no substantive progress has been achieved to address the staffing gap. He cautioned that, should the situation remain unresolved, the suspension of operations at certain private hospitals cannot be ruled out.
His remarks focused on the operational sustainability of facilities currently struggling to meet staffing requirements.
Proposed regulatory and transitional measures
Among the proposals put forward by PASIN are the revision of strict nurse-to-patient ratios and the acceleration of licensing procedures for graduates who complete their studies in Cyprus.
Mr Karaiskakis also suggested the introduction of transitional arrangements allowing for the employment of nurses from third countries, as a means of alleviating immediate shortages.
Concerns regarding ambulance coordination
In addition to staffing issues, he referred to serious dysfunctions in the ambulance sector. He proposed the creation of a unified and more flexible system that would enable, in emergency situations, the utilisation of both public and private ambulance services without delays or bureaucratic obstacles.