Cabinet on Wednesday approved a bill regulating rehabilitation centres, aimed at ensuring quality care to patients, Health Minister Michalis Damianos announced after the session.

“The bill for rehabilitation centres covers an important legal gap and ensures the availability of high-quality care to patients and people with disabilities,” he told reporters.

Damianos added the bill promotes the inclusion and reintegration of affected individuals to society.
The new provisions ensure compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by providing full and equal access to rehabilitation and recovery services, including access to assistive devices and technologies, he said.

At the same time, it regulates the requirements for the safe and standard-compliant operation of the centres, setting conditions for teams of health professionals and scientific guidance.

New structures will also be established in the health ministry, with the appointment of an officer for rehabilitation centres.

An advisory board will also be setup to ensure oversight over the law.


Damianos said the bill will be submitted to parliament immediately. “We expect to ensure the continuous improvement for the quality of life for our citizens, with an emphasis to equal access to the necessary health services.”