**‘Gesy is Here to Stay’: Cyprus’ National Health System Marks Seven Years of Operation**
Nicosia, Cyprus – Cyprus’ national health system, known as Gesy, has shown significant growth and resilience since its inception seven years ago. The Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) recently reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare services while adapting to the evolving needs of the population. This announcement was made during a media briefing held in Nicosia to commemorate the seventh anniversary of Gesy’s launch.
HIO chairman Stavros Michael emphasized the importance of Gesy as one of the most substantial reforms in the country’s healthcare landscape. He stated, “Gesy is here to stay,” underlining the system’s design to cater not only to current patients but also to future generations. Michael acknowledged the media's role as a crucial partner in both informing the public and providing constructive feedback that can help identify areas for improvement within the system.
A primary focus for the HIO moving forward is to embed Gesy more deeply into public consciousness while fostering a culture of responsible healthcare usage among beneficiaries and providers alike. Michael highlighted that one of the organization’s strategic objectives is to enhance the quality of healthcare services, which he described as the most critical priority beyond simply consolidating the system.
Iphigenia Kammitsi, the HIO’s director-general, reiterated the organization’s commitment to adding value to the healthcare system, ensuring that every euro invested translates into tangible benefits for beneficiaries. She pointed out that Gesy continues to encounter new challenges, necessitating ongoing evaluation and adaptation. “The needs of citizens are constantly changing,” Kammitsi remarked, citing technological advancements and international developments as key factors influencing healthcare delivery.
In line with this commitment to improvement, the HIO announced plans to conduct a comprehensive survey next month. The survey aims to gather insights on citizens’ experiences with Gesy, including their trust in the system, whether their expectations are being met, and the overall public perception of both Gesy and the HIO. The results are expected to be published in September and will be instrumental in identifying areas that require enhancement, as well as in designing targeted interventions based on empirical data.
Alexia Makridou, head of communications at the HIO, explained that a follow-up satisfaction survey is planned for late 2026 or early 2027. This second survey will focus on beneficiaries’ experiences with specific healthcare services provided under Gesy, further contributing to the ongoing assessment of the system’s effectiveness.
Makridou stressed the importance of public information as a strategic priority for the HIO. She noted that providing accurate and timely information empowers citizens to make informed decisions about their healthcare, thereby bolstering public confidence in the system. To this end, the HIO is launching various public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting the role of personal doctors, who serve as the first point of contact for beneficiaries and are essential in coordinating patient care.
These campaigns will utilize multiple platforms, including television and radio advertisements, social media initiatives, and podcasts featuring personal doctors. The goal is to encourage citizens to engage more with their personal doctors and ensure that healthcare resources are utilized effectively.
Additionally, the HIO plans to introduce a new information campaign to raise awareness about preventive healthcare services available through Gesy, which have been identified as underused. This initiative aims to encourage more individuals to take advantage of these services, ultimately promoting better health outcomes.
Another campaign will focus on Gesy’s digital services and the Beneficiary Portal. There have been concerns regarding the low activation rate of online accounts among beneficiaries. The portal offers users access to referrals, prescriptions, laboratory results, and other health information, empowering them to manage their healthcare more effectively. The upcoming campaign will seek to promote the benefits of these digital tools and improve the overall experience for beneficiaries.
As Gesy marks its seventh anniversary, the HIO remains dedicated to ensuring that the national health system continues to evolve and meet the needs of the Cypriot population. With ongoing evaluations, strategic surveys, and public awareness campaigns, the organization aims to solidify Gesy’s role as a cornerstone of healthcare in Cyprus for years to come.