Dialogos

AKEL-OAY Meeting: “Many Requirements – Investments Needed”

Published February 16, 2026, 14:02
AKEL-OAY Meeting: “Many Requirements – Investments Needed”

The President of the Health Insurance Organization (OAY), Stavros Michail, assured that the General Healthcare System (GHS) is not at financial risk, possessing reserves higher than international recommendations. He stated this after a meeting with the General Secretary of AKEL, Stefanos Stefanou, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and timely intervention to address potential problems. Mr. Michail stressed that the financial sustainability of the GHS is a given, but now the focus should be on qualitative sustainability, through tackling abuse, incorporating innovative drugs and technologies, rationalizing drug prices, and proper infrastructure planning. He noted that concerns about the system's sustainability are not confirmed by the data. Mr. Stefanou agreed that there is no immediate risk to the sustainability of the GHS, but emphasized the need for rational management of resources and investment in the health sector. He pointed out that there are many requirements and needs, which often require significant investment in infrastructure. Both sides agreed that the next challenge for the GHS is not its survival, but its upgrading and strengthening in the long term, so that it can provide quality health services to all citizens.