“The real risk to quality is not the country of origin of the nurse, but the shortage of staff.” In this statement, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides summarises his approach to the sector’s key challenges at a time when shortages, delays and pending reforms are placing pressure on the system. In a wide-ranging interview with Politis, he discusses staffing, oversight of the National Health System (GeSY) and institutional reforms in healthcare, while also addressing the question of who ultimately makes decisions on critical issues in the sector: the state or the trade unions representing doctors and nurses.
Setting priorities
You assumed the Ministry of Health during a period with many pending issues. Which did you place first on your agenda?
I would not frame them as pending issues but as priorities. At the top of our agenda is strengthening oversight of the health system in order to limit abuse. Since the end of 2025, supervision of GeSY has been transferred to the Ministry of Health and a dedicated monitoring mechanism has been established. The shortage of nursing staff is also an extremely important issue. Enrolment of nursing students has already increased by 85%, while a specialised report has been prepared outlining immediate, medium-term and long-term solutions. At the same time, we are seeking to find common ground regarding the amending bills currently pending before the House of Representatives.
Staff shortages
Let us remain on the issue of nurses. How many nurses are currently missing from the system? If immediate measures are not taken, could licences for hospitals be suspended or even withheld for new healthcare facilities?
I am optimistic that we will find solutions. The shortages are estimated at around 600 nurses. According to the expert report, the deficit is expected to remain at similar levels over the next five years if substantial and targeted interventions are not implemented.
Regarding nurses from third countries, nursing unions are concerned that the quality of services may be affected. How do you respond?
The concern is entirely understandable. Quality in healthcare services is not negotiable. For this reason, our approach is not limited to simply filling gaps but to doing so through rules, strict supervision and clear quality safeguards. No professional enters the system without meeting specific and rigorous criteria. I want to be clear: the use of nurses from third countries will be complementary, not at the expense of existing staff, but to relieve pressure on the system. The real risk to quality is not the origin of the nurse, but the shortage of personnel.
Why did you choose a 10% limit and why should the licence to practise be valid for two years?
The proposal seeks to balance two objectives: addressing a real need for nursing staff while safeguarding the domestic training of nurses. The 10% limit acts as a safety valve to prevent large-scale and uncontrolled inflows of personnel. The two-year duration of the licence allows the state to reassess the actual needs of the system at regular intervals.
Beyond nursing, are there shortages in other specialities? Where does the capacity planning process stand today?
Shortages in medical personnel are not widespread but are concentrated in specific specialities where demand exceeds supply. This is where the Ministry’s planning focuses, aiming for targeted rather than broad interventions. Regarding capacity planning, the project is at an advanced stage and is based on concrete data. Data analysis has been completed for doctors, nurses, dentists and pharmacists, along with the development of 30-year predictive models. Reports on healthcare needs for 2024 and 2025 have also been completed, as well as infrastructure mapping.
Pending reforms
Let us turn to university clinics. Another parliamentary term is ending and the bill has still not been passed. Do you see scope for bridging differences so that the bill can eventually be adopted by the next parliament?
The bill on University Clinics represents a particularly important reform for public health, research and medical education in our country. It is an issue that has been part of the public debate since 2013. There are different approaches, but I believe they can be reconciled. What matters is that the goal of all those involved is the same: safe care for patients and high-quality research and medical education for the benefit of citizens. The bill should be adopted by the House of Representatives as soon as possible so that a reform can be implemented which will strengthen the training of future doctors and further improve services for patients.
Nursing unions oppose bringing nurses from third countries, while doctors’ unions oppose the university clinics reform. In the end, who decides — you or the unions?
Trade unions are important social partners and play a substantive role in healthcare matters. The Ministry maintains continuous communication with them and takes their concerns into account. However, the responsibility for decision-making rests with the state. The Ministry must, and will, take decisions that serve the public interest and safeguard the right of all citizens to quality healthcare services. I am confident that the House of Representatives will act accordingly, as demonstrated in its last two plenary sessions when it approved three important bills concerning the National Cancer Institute, Ambulance Services and Palliative Care.
Could you explain what changes in practical terms for the health system following their adoption?
The adoption of the three bills constitutes a significant step towards modernising and strengthening the health system. The establishment of the National Cancer Institute creates the conditions for better coordination in prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The creation of the National Ambulance Authority is expected to improve emergency response and pre-hospital care. The adoption of the palliative care bill is also particularly important, as it establishes for the first time a comprehensive framework for supporting patients with serious and chronic illnesses.
Patients’ rights
Let us turn to the Patients’ Ombudsman. The law has been passed and the appointment made, but the institution has not yet become fully operational. Does this delay concern you?
From the moment the Ombudsman was appointed, the Ministry of Health has been fully prepared to support and activate the institution. Our goal is for it to function effectively. After Easter, outstanding patient complaints currently held by the Ministry will be forwarded to the District Patient Complaints Committees, while in cases where Patient Rights Officers have already been appointed they will be sent directly to them. At the same time, the steps required for the full operation of the supporting mechanism have either been completed or are in their final stages.
Have the necessary resources, staff and budget been provided?
The Ministry has ensured the substantial support of the institution. The Ombudsman’s Office has been gradually staffed with specialised personnel, and recruitment continues. Regarding the budget, the necessary funding has been secured through the Ministry of Finance, while the required logistical resources have also been provided for the Office’s operation.
The challenge of GeSY
Following the transfer of GeSY oversight to the Ministry of Health, is it now clear to patients and providers where they should address their concerns and through what procedure?
The newly established Oversight and Control Unit of the Health Insurance Organisation has sent relevant notices through the GeSY information system to all contracted healthcare providers informing them that they may contact the Ministry’s unit on matters within its competence. The Ministry examines complaints from providers with a legitimate interest and may also review issues of broader concern on its own initiative in order to ensure the proper functioning of the system.
When you assumed the portfolio of the Ministry of Health, you stated that the smooth operation of GeSY was a priority. Four months later, what do you consider the main obstacle to achieving this?
GeSY is the most important reform in the healthcare sector, as it has reduced inequalities and secured universal access to quality health services for citizens. Its overall assessment remains positive, but continuous monitoring and targeted improvements are required. Our strategy is clear: strengthening transparency, ensuring the rational use of available resources and safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the system, without any compromise in the level of services provided.