Waiting Lists in Cyprus' GHS: Causes and Solutions

Waiting lists in the General Healthcare System (GHS) are a complex problem in Cyprus, exacerbated by rapid universal coverage and shortages in infrastructure and personnel. Addressing this requires immediate interventions to prevent erosion of public trust.

Causes of the problem:

• Misuse and abuse of the system by patients and doctors.
• Lack of a culture of trust in primary healthcare.
• Unnecessary visits to specialist doctors.
• Artificial demand due to GHS restrictions.
• Absence of a chronic patient registry.
• Shortages in certain specialties and geographical inequalities.

Proposed Interventions:

• Strengthening the role of the personal doctor as the entry point to the system.
• Implementation of clinical protocols and prioritization systems.
• Eliminating horizontal restrictions and implementing modern control tools.
• Creating a unified electronic waiting list system.
• Incentives for more doctors to join the GHS and geographical redistribution.
• Patient education and awareness for rational use of the system.

Addressing waiting lists requires political will, investment, and the active participation of all stakeholders.

*Honorary President of OSAK*