Concerns Raised Over Impact of Physician Oversupply on Cyprus' GHS

A healthcare professional has voiced concerns regarding the impact of physician oversupply on Cyprus' General Healthcare System (GHS). According to the professional, the absence of institutional restrictions on the number of medical practices and physicians within the GHS is leading to dysfunctions affecting patients and the healthcare system.

The reported consequences include the weakening of the doctor-patient relationship due to the need to increase the number of visits, the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment due to competition, the artificial increase in demand for health services, and the fragmentation of care.

Additionally, the reduction in physicians' experience due to the distribution of cases among many professionals was highlighted, hindering skill development and the creation of specialized centers of excellence.

Germany, Austria, and Denmark were mentioned as examples of more effective regulation, where institutional restrictions on the number of physicians exist. Measures for Cyprus were proposed, such as establishing population limits per physician and specialty, suspending new contracts in oversaturated areas, and providing incentives for establishment in rural areas.

Furthermore, the expansion of medical presence in areas such as primary prevention, palliative care, rehabilitation, and medical tourism was suggested.

The author concluded that the uncontrolled physician oversupply poses a threat to the quality and sustainability of the GHS, requiring collective responsibility and rationalism to plan the future of the healthcare system.