The private healthcare sector is gearing up for a tough confrontation after parliament once again postponed discussion of amendments that would make it easier to hire foreign nurses.
Since Friday, the largest hospitals, the Employers and Industrialists Federation, the Pancyprian Association of Private Hospitals, and the Pancyprian Medical Association have been in intensive consultations. Their final decisions are expected within the coming days.
Health Minister Neofytos Charalampidis had resubmitted two bills to parliament, publicly calling for their swift passage. “The nurse shortage is real and is causing serious problems in the healthcare sector,” he stressed.
However, parties at the parliamentary health committee level decided not to clash with unions during the pre-election period — a stance that infuriates the private sector.
Today, contacts are expected with other sectors, including rehabilitation centres, which also face staff shortages.
