Cyprus is set to establish a comprehensive patient rights protection system, with parliament preparing to approve legislation creating a Patient Rights Ombudsperson (Patient Advocate) and introducing patient advocates across all healthcare facilities.
The parliamentary Health Committee has completed its article-by-article review of the bill, which mandates patient rights officers in all healthcare providers, from hospitals to pharmacies, and establishes district-level patient rights committees.
The Ombudsperson, appointed by the Council of Ministers as an independent state official, will oversee the entire system, conducting site visits, handling urgent complaints, and submitting biennial reports to the Health Minister and annual reports to the President.
Healthcare providers employing more than two people must designate patient rights officers, available 24/7, with facilities employing over 50 staff requiring full-time officers. These officers must address complaints within two working days and provide written confirmation of received complaints.
The legislation explicitly excludes handling medical malpractice cases, compensation claims, or disciplinary matters falling under the Cyprus Medical Association’s jurisdiction. (incyprus)
