**Health Minister Pledges Increased Staffing for Polis Chrysochous Hospital**
Polis Chrysochous, Cyprus – In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare services in the region, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides met with the mayor of Polis Chrysochous, Yiotis Papachristofi, on Friday to discuss improvements for the local hospital. Central to their discussions was the urgent need for increased staffing, particularly the recruitment of a permanent cardiologist.
The Ministry of Health has announced plans to hire a second cardiologist for the Paphos hospital. This initiative aims to allow the existing cardiologist to concentrate solely on the needs of the Polis Chrysochous hospital, thereby improving the quality of care available to local residents.
In addition to the cardiologist recruitment, the hospital will continue to maintain on-call hours to address immediate healthcare needs. The minister also indicated that efforts are underway to establish two ambulance crews that will operate around the clock, ensuring timely medical assistance for emergencies.
Further enhancements to the hospital's services include the planned hiring of two additional nurses, which is expected to alleviate some of the current staffing pressures. The operating hours of the hospital's laboratory will also be extended, and new equipment is set to be introduced to improve diagnostic capabilities.
The meeting also highlighted the need for improvements in the hospital's radiological department, with plans to recruit another radiologist by the end of the year. These measures are part of a broader strategy to strengthen healthcare delivery in the region.
A significant topic of discussion was the ongoing project to construct a new hospital in Polis Chrysochous. According to the Ministry of Health, the tender for the construction works is anticipated to be launched in October 2026, with the contract expected to be awarded by March 2027. Once the new facility is completed, staffing levels are projected to increase substantially, with the workforce expected to rise to 120 employees from the current 65.
These developments come as part of the government's commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and services across Cyprus, particularly in areas that have historically faced challenges in accessing adequate medical care. The Health Minister's assurances reflect a proactive approach to addressing these issues and enhancing the overall healthcare experience for residents of Polis Chrysochous.
As the community awaits these improvements, the focus remains on ensuring that the current hospital can adequately meet the needs of its patients while preparations for the new facility are underway. The collaboration between local government and the Ministry of Health signifies a concerted effort to bolster healthcare services and ensure that residents have access to the medical attention they require.