The 2026 budget for Cyprus’ national health system (GESY) has been set at €2.13 billion, the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) reported to the House Health Committee. Of the total €2.129 billion, €2.046 billion will go directly to health service provision for beneficiaries, covering both inpatient and outpatient care.
The budget allocates €698.5 million for hospital care, €477 million for pharmaceuticals, and €256 million for outpatient specialist services. Family doctors for adults and children, including on-call duties, will receive €110 million. Compared with previous years, the 2026 budget represents an increase, rising from €1.8 billion in 2025, reflecting the growing number of doctors participating in GESY.
Family doctors
Adult and child family doctors are allocated €110 million in total: €82.5 million for adults and €27.5 million for children. Average annual earnings for adult family doctors in 2026 are projected at €129,700, slightly down from €131,500 in 2025, while child family doctors’ earnings rise to €133,500 from €129,000.
Specialist doctors
Outpatient specialist care is budgeted at €256 million, up from €246 million in 2025 and €237 million in 2024. The increase comes as the number of participating specialists continues to grow, though not always in line with the budget.
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Cardiology (€28.9M): Average earnings drop to €117,500, from €127,700 in 2025.
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Ophthalmology (€19.1M): Slight decline to €144,700, down from €145,600.
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Gynecology (€17M): Decreases to €90,900 from €93,800.
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Orthopedics (€14M): Falls sharply to €74,500 as provider numbers rise.
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Gastroenterology (€13.8M): Up to €222,600, rising from €214,000 despite more doctors.
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Dermatology (€10.4M): Increases slightly to €131,600.
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Neurology / Pediatric Neurology (€8.5M): Up to €100,000 from €80,000 amid fewer providers.
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Psychiatry (€7.1M): Up to €81,600, rising from €74,700.
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Pathological Anatomy (€5.7M): Sharp drop to €154,000 despite more providers.
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Endocrinology (€4.7M): Jump to €151,600 from €113,700 in 2025.
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Rheumatology (€3.1M): Minor changes to €114,800.
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Pulmonology (€8.4M): Falls to €92,300 as provider numbers increase.
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General Surgery (€7.7M): Drops to €38,900.
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Urology (€6.7M): Rises to €83,700.
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Nephrology (€2.9M): Remains stable at €45,300.
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Neurosurgery (€2.6M): Slight increase to €52,000.
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Vascular Surgery (€2.5M): Falls to €75,800 with more providers.
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Pediatric Cardiology (€2.2M): High at €220,000.
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Nuclear Medicine (€3.1M): Remains steady at €258,000.
Overall, the 2026 GESY budget reflects the ongoing growth of Cyprus’ healthcare system, balancing increased spending with the challenges of expanding provider numbers and varying specialist earnings.
This article was originally published on the Greek-language Politis website.