The Cabinet in Cyprus has approved a draft bill, concerning the establishment of the National Health System, as well as a second draft bill that provides for the autonomy of hospitals, Health Minister George Pamboridis has announced.
Both bills will be sent to the House of Representatives where, according to the Minister, all political parties recognize the crucial timing and agree to expedite the process, the Cyprus News Agency reports.
In statements after the Cabinet meeting, Pamboridis noted that the process began in September 2015, involving consultations with political parties and other stakeholders, as well as meetings with political leaders just after the parliamentary elections that were held last May.
Asked when the reforms will start to materialize, Pamboridis noted that he could not predict the parliamentary outcome, or the amount of time required by the House to discuss the various aspects.
He said however that he was optimistic and referred to two meetings that took place in July and September 2016, in the presence of political leaders. "I expect that parties will remain committed to the decisions that have been taken," Pamborides concluded.
