Okypy funding extended to end of 2026 as reform talks continue
Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides told MPs the state subsidy for Okypy will run through 2026, with no plans to change the support framework for now.
State support for Okypy will remain in place until the end of 2026, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides told the House health committee on Friday, adding that the government has no current plans to alter the aid framework. The committee met to discuss the health ministry's 2027 budget, with the financial independence of state hospitals as the central theme, as reported by Cyprus Mail.
According to the minister, PricewaterhouseCoopers is already carrying out a survey on the extra measures needed to keep the service running, while a team of economists reviews Okypy's finances and looks at ways to raise revenue and trim spending. A joint committee of Okypy, the health ministry and the finance ministry is also examining viability and will issue a report giving Charalambides a clearer picture of the next steps so that Okypy can operate smoothly in 2027.
Charalambides said reserves are currently sufficient, but stressed that Okypy must become sustainable and present a balanced budget. Committee chairwoman Savia Orphanidou, a Disy MP, argued that Okypy and state hospitals should not depend on state subsidies.
“We await that this commitment will be met,” she said, referring to the minister's assurance that the subsidy will not need further extension.
Orphanidou also called for reforms to secure Gesy's long-term future, including action on waiting lists, abuse of the system and falling service quality. Disy MP George Pamborides raised concerns about autonomy in practice, citing staffing, human resources management and dependence on the civil service, while Alma MP Litsa Drousioti said autonomy exists only on paper and that subsidies are rising rather than deficits falling.
What it means for residents
For anyone relying on Gesy, nothing changes immediately: the funding tap stays open through 2026 and services continue. But the debate signals that cost-cutting and reform of state hospitals are coming, which could touch everything from waiting times to how appointments and referrals are handled.
- Watch waiting lists. MPs singled out delays and system abuse as targets, so expect tighter rules on referrals and scheduling.
- Keep documents in order. Any reform of Okypy's finances may bring changes to fees or admin procedures — check Gesy updates before your next appointment.
- No action needed now. Coverage and access remain as they are while the reports are prepared.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
