Serious staffing shortages at Famagusta General Hospital have prompted calls for urgent action, with Famagusta District Organisation President Yiannis Karousos warning of gaps in key medical specialties and lengthy waiting times for patients.
In a letter to the Health Minister and the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY), Karousos requested immediate answers and a clear timetable for addressing the problems, describing the situation as a matter of growing concern.
Concerns over specialist coverage
According to Karousos, the hospital does not have a pulmonologist on site every day, with specialists reportedly visiting only three to four times a month despite the treatment of serious respiratory cases.
He also highlighted shortages in neurology services, stating that a neurologist is present only once a week even though patients with strokes and other serious neurological conditions are admitted to the hospital.
Karousos said waiting times for a neurology appointment have reached between six and seven months.
Ophthalmology services highlighted
The district organisation president also raised concerns about ophthalmology services.
While the hospital previously had daily ophthalmology coverage, he said there is no longer a permanent on-site ophthalmologist despite the possibility of cases requiring urgent assessment.
Call for more nursing staff
Karousos further argued that the hospital requires additional nursing personnel to ensure the safe and effective operation of its departments.
He also requested official clarification on whether doctors or medical posts formerly assigned to Famagusta Hospital had been transferred to other public hospitals, and, if so, the reasons behind those decisions and how any resulting gaps were addressed.
“Famagusta is asking for the obvious”
"Famagusta is not asking for preferential treatment. It is asking for the obvious," Karousos said.
He stressed that a district hospital serving both the residents of the free Famagusta district and one of Cyprus' largest tourist regions should not be left without adequate daily coverage in essential medical specialties.
Karousos said the issue should not become a matter of political confrontation, arguing that it concerns public health, patient safety and equal access to healthcare services.
Call for a clear plan
The district organisation is calling on the Health Ministry and OKYPY to provide specific answers, set out concrete measures and present a clear timetable for tackling the shortages.
"Famagusta Hospital must be strengthened. And it must be strengthened now," Karousos said.
