A legislative proposal making patient involvement in policy-making mandatory was approved by the House health committee and will be voted on by the plenum, it was announced on Thursday.
Speaking after the committee session, Health Minister Giorgos Pamporidis welcomed a “historic day for the patient movement in Cyprus”, because what is considered a given in the rest of Europe has only now been adopted.
“The mature state achieved by the patients’ movement, largely the result of efforts by the Federation of Patients and Friends, has allowed the state to respond and see them as partners, instead of adversaries,” Pamporidis said.
The proposal’s sponsor, DISY deputy Stella Kyriakidou, echoed Pamporidis’ “historic day” view, with regard to the rights of patients in Cyprus.
“An effort that started more than six years ago was approved today, and will be taken to the plenum for voting,” she said.
“At a time when reform in the health sector is truly necessary, we give a voice to organised patient groups, and their federation, allowing them to join the debate. Unfortunately, over the last few years, consultations on health matters have been held only with healthcare professionals, without involving patients in decision-making.”
Where priorities on problem-solving need to be set, they are set correctly by those whom the problems affect directly – the patients – Kyriakidou added.
“In committees dealing with reform, and with drugs, there will be mandatory consultations with organised patient groups, as well as the federation,” she said.
AKEL deputy Adamos Adamou welcomed the historic decision, noting that patients are being given a role in policy-making for the first time.
“This was an old demand, and I would like to remind that I had referred to the need for patients to participate in various councils and committees many times in the past,” he said.
“Decisions for patients cannot be made without the patients.”
Chairman of the Federation of Patients and Friends Marios Kouloumas said approval of the proposal marked a “historic milestone”, pointing out that it has been a demand of organised patient groups for years.
“We are happy to announce and welcome the approval of the legislative proposal,” he said.
“The state, government and parliament, have realised the need for patients to participate in the dialogue over health matters, so that the patient can become the epicentre of health services.”
On behalf of all patients, he added, he extended gratitude to the committee, particularly to sponsor Kyriakidou, as well as Pamporidis.
“We hope future policies on health will focus on the patients, and approach matters with a focus on their true needs,” he said.
