The views of stakeholders in the Cypriot health care system on the provisions in the Memorandum on Health Services in Cyprus

Andreas Kontopoulos; Eleni Jelastopulu; George Charalambous; Aris Sissouras

Volume : VII, Issue : II, February - 2018

The views of stakeholders in the Cypriot health care system on the provisions in the Memorandum on Health Services in Cyprus

Andreas Kontopoulos, Eleni Jelastopulu, George Charalambous, Aris Sissouras

Abstract :

Background:

The economic crisis of 2013 obliged Cyprus to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Euro group, European Commission (EC), European Central Bank (ECB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF). The MoU included provisions that affected the health sector. Regarding health and the expenditure of health care, the Republic of Cyprus undertook inter alia structural changes in the health sector, ultimately introducing the National Health System (GeSY). The purpose of this study was to investigate the views of Cypriot health stakeholders (HSH) on the provisions and the expected implications of the MoU on health services.

Methods:

Representatives from five groups of Cypriot HSH were invited to participate in the study.

A questionnaire with 20 structured and 3 semi– structured questions was given to participants. The questions referred to the content of the MoU and the views of the different health stakeholders on its provisions and its implications. Each structured question was marked on a scale from –10 (very negative) to +10 (very positive). All answers were presented by descriptive analysis.

Results and conclusion:

All groups were highly sceptical of most of the MoU provisions despite the groups’ apparent realisation that the present health services system must be restructured. The groups’ expressed their general views on which health indicators may be positively or negatively affected by the MoU provisions (health expenditures, effectiveness, chronic diseases, depression and others). The majority affirmed their belief that the MoU would promote the implementation of the National Health System.