The Ministry of Health is moving towards measures aimed at attracting new entrants to the nursing profession and encouraging the return of those who have left, in an effort to address acute staff shortages, particularly in the private sector. The proposals were presented by Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides during an emergency meeting held on Tuesday at the offices of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation. The meeting was attended by key stakeholders from the private healthcare sector, including the Pancyprian Association of Private Hospitals, the Cyprus Medical Association, as well as representatives from laboratory, rehabilitation and palliative care groups.
Ministry measures under discussion
Against the backdrop of an estimated shortage of around 600 nurses, the minister outlined a package of actions aimed at both short-term relief and long-term strengthening of the profession. The focus includes financial incentives to attract new entrants, as well as incentives to encourage nurses who left the profession in recent years to return. At the same time, the ministry is promoting the introduction of support staff or carers to ease the workload of nurses, while also examining targeted recruitment from third countries. A review of nurse-to-bed ratios is also under consideration, a matter regulated by legislation that directly affects hospital staffing levels.
Proposal on seconded nurses
According to information available to Politis, during discussions at OEB offices, private sector stakeholders proposed that the Ministry of Health conduct a review to determine whether nurses currently serving in seconded or administrative roles in the public sector could return to clinical duties. If implemented, such a move could immediately strengthen public hospitals and reduce the need for new hires, effectively acting as a system-wide resource optimisation measure. However, such a development is expected to trigger reactions from nursing unions. The minister, according to sources, did not commit to the proposal but left open the possibility of examining it further.
Pressure from private sector
The discussion comes after increased pressure from private healthcare providers in recent weeks, with warnings of potential escalation measures. According to information, even the possibility of a 24-hour shutdown of services was raised during the meeting as a form of pressure on the state. Following the minister’s assurances that specific actions will be promoted, stakeholders have, for now, refrained from announcing measures, allowing time for the executive to act.
Legislative issues remain open
Beyond immediate measures, legislative interventions remain at the centre of discussions. On one hand, an amending bill concerning the employment of nurses from third countries is pending. It предусматривает a cap of 10% of total nursing staff per facility, διαφοροποιημένη διάρκεια άδειας εργασίας at two years instead of four (as applies to Cypriot and EU nationals), with renewal options, as well as stricter requirements regarding Greek language proficiency and employment conditions.
According to sources, the private sector disagrees with certain provisions, particularly the cap, which it seeks to increase to 30%. At the same time, changes to nurse-to-bed ratios remain under discussion, with private providers arguing that current requirements are overly strict. Consultations between the Ministry of Health and private sector stakeholders are expected to intensify in the coming period, with the aim of advancing these issues to discussion and potential approval by the next Parliament.