The House of Representatives unanimously approved the amendment law “General Healthcare System (Amendment) Law of 2026”, allowing the inclusion of counselling psychologists in Gesy. The proposal, submitted by Alekos Tryfonides of the Democratic Alignment – Cooperation of Democratic Forces, was passed with 45 votes in favour. The aim of the amendment is to modify existing legislation so that counselling psychologists are classified as “other healthcare professionals” under Gesy, enabling them to provide mental health services within the system.
“Decisive step” for mental health services
Tryfonides described the legislation as the result of a coordinated effort, stressing that counselling psychology constitutes an independent and important pillar addressing issues beyond clinical psychology. He said the objective is to ensure the provision of quality mental health services without exclusion, calling the reform a decisive step towards modernising the healthcare system.
AKEL backs proposal with reservations
On behalf of AKEL, MP Christos Christofias said the party considers the inclusion of counselling psychologists necessary but expressed reservations about the process.
He argued that such matters should fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and the Health Insurance Organisation, rather than being addressed through parliamentary proposals, warning of the risk of setting a precedent. Despite these concerns, he confirmed that AKEL supported the proposal, while cautioning that the approach could lead Parliament towards populist practices. He added that the Health Insurance Organisation appears ready to proceed with the inclusion regardless of the law’s adoption.
Democratic Rally MP Charalambos Pazaros said discussions with the Health Insurance Organisation have been ongoing for a year and are not linked to electoral considerations. He acknowledged delays in setting a timetable for integration and stressed that mental health is a fundamental pillar requiring immediate and universal access.
Political debate over procedure
Limassol MP Andreas Themistocleous criticised political positions that support a proposal despite expressing disagreement, raising questions of political consistency. Responding, Christofias clarified that AKEL’s position does not concern the substance of the proposal but rather the institutional implications of how such issues are addressed. In his closing remarks, Tryfonides said consultations had lasted three years and pointed to what he described as the Health Insurance Organisation’s reluctance to resolve the issue, arguing that the legislation addresses a long-standing gap.
Source: CNA