Revealing findings regarding citizens' perceptions of the healthcare sector in Cyprus have emerged from a major survey conducted on behalf of IMH by the research and polling organisation IMR/University of Nicosia™, and which was presented by the organisation's Founder and Managing Director, Christina Kokkalou in the context of the 8th Cyprus Healthcare Conference.
The survey, which was conducted nationwide, in urban and rural areas, with a random stratified sampling of 500 people aged 18 and over, captures the image of the health sector in the eyes of citizens, with its conclusions demonstrating their degree of satisfaction and the changes they saw in the health services provided after the implementation of the General Healthcare System (Gesy).
As the survey shows, opinion about the General Healthcare System is positive, as the majority of citizens find that its implementation has brought about a significant improvement in the quality of health services and their quality of life. At the same time, however, significant challenges still exist.
Of particular value, in an era when strong investment interest from foreign multinational companies in local private hospitals is being recorded and transformed into action through their acquisition, are the views of citizens regarding foreign investments made in the health sector of the country.
The vast majority of citizens not only applaud these acquisitions, believing that they will improve the medical infrastructure and technologies on our island, but also see significant opportunities emerging.
In more detail:
- Strong acceptance and recognition of the social benefit
Approximately nine out of ten respondents (86%) stated that the General Healthcare System has improved the quality of health services provided, while approximately nine out of ten (88%) also believe that it has contributed positively to the overall quality of life.
Compared to 2023, these percentages remain consistently high, confirming the positive image that has been consolidated in Cypriot society.
The reduction or even elimination of the cost of access to healthcare stands out as the greatest benefit of the system, with 80% of citizens highlighting it first.
This is followed by an increase in the choice of health providers (36%) and an improvement in the quality of services (33%).
For businesses and organisations, this data reveals an important factor of social cohesion: Access to healthcare without financial barriers enhances workforce stability and productivity.
- The weaknesses that weigh down the system
Despite strong acceptance, the survey also highlights significant weaknesses. Some 57% of citizens cite long waiting lists as the most serious problem, while 50% point to the lack of coverage of specific types of examinations.
An equally critical finding is that 49% consider the referral process from their personal physician to access a specialist to be burdensome.
The picture is complemented by 38% of citizens emphasising that the non-participation of all doctors and hospitals in the General Healthcare System limits its effectiveness.
This data demonstrates that despite progress, flexibility and immediate availability of services remain in demand.
- User experience and satisfaction
Citizens' experiences paint a mixed picture. While 74% report an improvement in waiting times for appointments, concerns remain about the quality of facilities and equipment.
More specifically, 47% believe that the situation has improved, but 36% believe that it remains the same, while 9% estimate that it has worsened.
The use of services is also an important element: 91% visited a personal doctor through the General Health System in the last two years, while 83% consulted a specialist and 78% received medication.
The extensive use of the system shows its established place in the everyday lives of citizens.
- Financial relief and medicines
The General Healthcare System has undoubtedly eased family budgets: 84% of citizens state that they spend less on medical care compared to the pre-Gesy era.
This element has a clear business dimension, as households now have more resources for other consumption or investment needs.
However, there are reservations in the area of medicines. Although 59% appear quite satisfied with the range of medicines administered, only 18% state that they are "very satisfied".
Furthermore, 40% believe that generics are of comparable quality to the originals, but a significant 30% remain undecided.
- Foreign investments and prospects
A particularly interesting finding concerns the prospect of the acquisition of large private hospitals by multinationals.
Some 75% believe that this will improve medical infrastructure and technologies in Cyprus, with the most important opportunities that may arise from the entry of multinational companies into private hospitals in Cyprus being primarily the modernisation of health technology and infrastructure (52%) and the training and specialisation of medical and nursing staff (51%).
This is followed by faster access to innovative medicines and treatments (43%), the creation of new well-paid jobs (34%), the strengthening of competition and improvement of the services provided (29%) and the attraction of medical tourism and foreign patients (24%).
For the business world, all of this opens up new avenues for collaboration and growth. The influx of foreign capital can boost medical tourism, create new jobs and stimulate competition, with positive impacts on the entire economy.
- The position of private insurance
Despite the introduction of the Gesy private insurance remains a promising sector. Some 31% of citizens still maintain private coverage, a percentage that remains almost unchanged since 2023.
Although smaller numbers compared to the pre-Gesy period (42%), they show that there is room for specialised products that will cover gaps in the system.
In summary, the research revealed that the General Healthcare System is one of the most positively accepted institutions in Cypriot society, having already left a strong imprint, both on health and the economy.
At the same time, it indicates that the next phase of its development should focus on reducing waiting lists, expanding coverage of tests and medications, as well as better informing citizens about their rights.
For businesses, the findings offer a double lens: On the one hand, they highlight the stabilisation of the social fabric through the improvement of citizens' health and economic well-being.
On the other hand, they show new opportunities in areas such as private insurance, foreign investment in health, and innovative medical technologies.
View the entire research and its findings, in Greek, HERE
- The conference was presented by Ygia Polyclinic
(Source: InBusinessNews)
