Parliament Approves Inclusion of Counseling Psychologists in GHS

The Plenary of the Parliament unanimously approved the inclusion of counseling psychologists in the General Healthcare System (GHS) with 45 votes in favor. The bill, introduced by MP Alekos Tryfonidis, amends existing legislation to include counseling psychologists in the category of "other health professionals" within the GHS.

Alekos Tryfonidis emphasized that counseling psychology is an important pillar and the goal is to provide quality mental health services without exclusions. AKEL MP Christos Christofias expressed reservations about the process, arguing that it should be the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and the HIO, but AKEL voted in favor of the proposal.

Charalambos Pazaros from DISY rejected allegations of electoral expediency, while Andreas Themistokleous criticized political positions that disagree with the substance of a proposal but vote for it. Mr. Tryfonidis added that the consultations lasted three years and the HIO showed intransigence.