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Cyprus Public Hospitals Under Pressure Due to Flu Cases

Published January 19, 2026, 18:33
Cyprus Public Hospitals Under Pressure Due to Flu Cases

Public hospitals in Cyprus are experiencing a surge in flu cases following the Christmas period, leading to full capacity and the transfer of patients to other departments. Haralambos Charilaou, spokesperson for the Cyprus Organisation of State Health Services (OKYPY), stated that the situation is subsiding, but emergency rooms are bearing the brunt of the increase. A meeting was held at the Ministry of Health where it was decided to hospitalize all cases as long as beds are available. Mr. Charilaou emphasized the need for cooperation with the private sector, as patients cannot remain in emergency rooms indefinitely. However, the private sector lacks the necessary infrastructure, such as internal medicine and pulmonology clinics, as well as sufficient doctors to monitor patients. The need for more beds for flu, Covid, and RSV is pressing. The lack of beds and specialized staff in the private sector creates problems in dealing with the increased demand. The situation requires coordinated efforts and effective collaboration between the public and private sectors. In summary, the increase in flu cases has significantly burdened the public health system, highlighting the need to strengthen infrastructure and personnel, as well as closer cooperation with the private sector to effectively address the crisis.