Health minister: Drug shortage resolution expected next week

Health Minister Michael Damianos said on Friday he expects a resolution to the current drug shortages by early next week, adding that the health ministry is in constant talks with relevant officials in Greece, including Deputy Minister of Health Marios Themistokleous.

Moreover, he also said he would seek updates from the health state services (Okypy) regarding the planned pharmacists’ strike next week.

“We need to maintain labour peace, especially in hospitals” he said. “We will request information from Okypy to understand how this issue can be resolved.”

Damianos acknowledged the constant difficulties faced by smaller EU countries like Cyprus, which struggle to attract pharmaceutical companies, resulting in both drug shortages and price disparities.

“This is a problem faced by all small EU countries, not just Cyprus. We are working within the EU framework to find a solution for both supply and pricing of drugs,” Damianou said.

“It is unfair for smaller countries to pay significantly more for medicines compared to larger or more developed nations, and this is not something Cyprus can solve on its own.”

When asked about recent labour disputes and the efforts to reach a permanent resolution, Damianos reiterated that, while the ministry oversees Okypy, it does not have the power to replace it.

“The ministry’s role is to mediate between parts when issues arise,” he said. “We believe that labour problems should be resolved by Okypy and the unions themselves, and the quicker these issues are resolved, the more effectively state hospitals can operate.”

Damianos made statements during the inauguration of the new dialysis unit at St George’s hospital in Paphos, where he stressed the positive impact of new healthcare facilities.

The unit is fully integrated into the national health scheme Gesy and is equipped with 11 dialysis stations.

“It is always beneficial to see new installations in the healthcare sector, as they enhance the quality of services,” he said.

“I am particularly please to be inaugurating facilities in regions outside the capital.

“Modern dialysis technology ensures that healthcare professionals have access to equipment that meets stringent quality and safety standards, allowing for precise and reliable dialysis sessions,” Damianos added.

He also underlined the difficulties faced by patients affected by chronic kidney diseases (CKD).

“The impact of CKD is extensive, affecting patients physically and psychologically. As the disease progresses to its final stage, patients require immediate support through hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. This is why the opening of the new unit is of paramount importance,” he said.

For patients undergoing dialysis, the treatment demands frequent visits to the dialysis unit, adherence to a strict medication regimen, and numerous dietary and fluid intake restrictions, all of which significantly affect their lifestyle and mental health.

During his speech, Damianou also reiterated the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in healthcare, stressing that such partnerships “are essential for providing timely and high-quality services to patients and for the overall improvement of healthcare provision.”

“I want to commend the hospital staff for their valuable contribution to delivering high-level healthcare services to the community. And wish them my best for their continued success in serving the patients,” the minister concluded.