In its six years of operation, Cyprus’ national health system, Gesy, has registered over a million beneficiaries and logged more than 21 million visits to general practitioners and roughly the same number to specialists, it was announced on Friday.

To date, there have been over 3.6 million visits to radiological diagnostic centres, 17 million to laboratories, 43 million to pharmacies, and 1.3 million to dentists. Additionally, 360,000 surgical procedures have been performed.

Although the original legislation for Gesy was passed in 2001, the first phase of the system only began in June 2019.

In a press release, the health insurance organisation (HIO) reaffirmed its commitment to providing unhindered access to quality health services for all, without exception. It added that its primary focus remains the continuous enrichment of services offered, upgrading their quality, and ensuring the system’s financial sustainability.

Last year, efforts were made to enhance service quality, improve sustainability, refine the legislative framework, increase staffing, advance digitalisation, and promote a culture of rational use of services through public information campaigns.

An actuarial study indicated that Gesy’s finances are sustainable until at least 2032.

Additionally, half a million random checks were conducted, and more than 80,000 claims were processed, amounting to over €20 million. As a result of these audits, fines totalling €235,000 were imposed on more than 100 providers, while contracts were terminated for those who failed to comply.

The organisation added that 50 innovative treatments for 20 illnesses, as well as 130 outpatient drugs, have been added to the system’s offerings for beneficiaries.

Quality criteria and performance indicators have been implemented for GPs, specialists, hospitals, and emergency departments. New protocols for disease management have been introduced, and the assessment process for referrals has been improved. Enhancements have also been made for referring patients abroad.

The organisation said questionnaires have been developed for beneficiaries, in cooperation with the health ministry, to evaluate their experience in relation to services provided.

Additionally, a dedicated website has been launched to serve as a patient guide, aiming to comprehensively inform beneficiaries – particularly those with chronic conditions – about Gesy’s services.

In a message marking the system’s anniversary, HIO chairman Stavros Michael said that since its launch in June 2019, Gesy has embodied the values on which it was founded: social solidarity, justice, and equal access.

General Director Ifigeneia Kammitsi affirmed the organisation’s commitment to implementing its strategic plan to upgrade health services, improve access to specialised care, ensure financial sustainability, strengthen control and transparency mechanisms, support continuous provider training, foster digital innovation, and promote responsible use of services.