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The association of physiotherapists went on an all-day work stoppage on Thursday over disputes with the state health insurance organisation (HIO).
Physiotherapists gathered in front of the HIO offices in Nicosia from 10am.
According to them, the dispute hinges on the fact that physiotherapists are carrying out far more appointments than they are being paid for, which is lowering the value rate of services they offer.
“The HIO budgeted for 100,000 monthly visits but we are seeing 150,000,” the association spokesman Nikos Zentios told CyBC last week, adding that since mid-summer of 2022 there has been a steadily increasing influx of patients.
On Wednesday, the HIO released a statement, saying physiotherapists “chose the path of confrontation, instead of dialogue”.
On their part, physiotherapists said their goal is less focused on the budget and more on the correct allocation of necessary units required to cover the real needs of beneficiaries.
Zentios explained that if the HIO does not adjust for the rise in patient visits, the quality of patient care will suffer. He also slammed the organisation for failing to base its fiscal estimates on real clinical needs.
Left-wing party Akel on Thursday released a statement of support for physiotherapists, calling on the HIO to listen to their demands.
“They need to make decisions that ensure the quality of care for patients and the wellbeing for health professionals, because this is what public health requires,” Akel said.
“It must be clear that there cannot be discounts in the health sector.”
The patients association (Osak) also released a statement on Thursday, calling on physiotherapists and the HIO to find a solution to the dispute and “put the patient’s interest first”.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Mail
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Mail
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