Students from the University of Cyprus Medical School staged a protest outside the House of Representatives on Thursday, calling for two specific amendments to the bill establishing university hospitals and university clinics.
Speaking on Politis Radio 107.6 & 97.6, student representative Sotiris Christoforou stressed that students do not oppose the creation of university clinics but believe two provisions of the bill should be revised to ensure quality standards are maintained.
One lead medical school per hospital
The first demand is for each hospital to be linked to a single lead medical school responsible for educational and research work and for establishing university clinics.
According to Christoforou, the proposal is consistent with European and international standards. He argued that there is no university hospital in the European Union where clinics operate under different medical schools.
Students fear that, if the legislation passes in its current form, clinics affiliated with different medical schools could operate within the same hospital.
Christoforou described such a scenario as a "global first".
He stressed, however, that the proposal is not intended to exclude students from other universities from training in public hospitals. Instead, they could continue their training in coordination with the lead medical school, provided its educational activities are not disrupted.
Minimum of three university doctors
The second demand concerns staffing requirements.
Students want every university clinic to have at least three university-appointed doctors, rather than the single doctor currently required under the bill.
Christoforou said student research had found no university clinics in either the European Union or the United States operating with fewer than three university doctors.
He argued that a single academic doctor cannot simultaneously manage research, patient care and student training.
According to the students, higher staffing standards are necessary to ensure the quality of the clinics that will be established.
Current training arrangements
Christoforou confirmed that Cyprus currently has neither university hospitals nor officially recognised university clinics.
Theoretical education is delivered through university lectures, while clinical training takes place in public hospitals, including the Nicosia General Hospital and Makarios Hospital, under agreements with the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY).
He noted that some university-employed doctors already work in public hospitals, although the departments where they practise are not formally recognised as university clinics.
He also said the students' position mirrors the official stance of both the University of Cyprus Medical School and the University of Cyprus.
Protest timed with parliamentary debate
The demonstration was scheduled for 10.30am outside Parliament, coinciding with the start of clause-by-clause consideration of the bill.
Christoforou said students had already issued a press release and informed stakeholders about the protest, while also preparing to submit a memorandum outlining their positions.
He stressed that the goal is not to withdraw the legislation but to secure the two proposed amendments.
"We are not protesting against the bill," he said, adding that students support its passage provided the requested changes are incorporated.
Christoforou added that he was unaware of the position of public hospital unions on the specific proposals but expressed hope that the students' concerns would be taken into account.
