From the first day of its implementation, the General Health System (GHS) set as a priority to ensure equal and quality access to health services for all our fellow citizens. Today, three years later, the biggest social reform since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus has not only withstood the trials and tribulations but also created a solid foundation for the future.
Going through a very difficult period with unprecedented conditions, such as those of the pandemic and the many problems and distortions inherited from the pre-GESY situation, the System remained standing, providing the best possible care to those who needed it. This is reflected by the universal support of the citizens, which is the strongest message and the greatest motivation for a stronger and reinforced GHC in the coming years.
A support that is clearly demonstrated by the very high acceptance rates presented both in the survey conducted on behalf of the OAS by IMR/University of Nicosia in 2021 and in the survey conducted by the Association of Research Polling Companies in 2022. According to the results of the first survey, 82% of beneficiaries considered the quality of the health services provided to be very satisfactory, while 80% considered that the GHC had greatly improved their quality of life. The satisfaction of citizens with the services provided by the GHC was confirmed by an independent survey conducted by the Association of Survey Research Enterprises, which ranked the GHC first among all the institutions of the Republic, without exception, in terms of citizens' satisfaction/trust.
WHAT THE GESY ACHIEVED
Among the most important achievements of the three years of operation of the GESY are the following.
- Ensuring equal, fair and unhindered access to quality health services for all citizens, without exceptions and regardless of their financial situation.
- An end to disastrous health care spending.
- Every adult has his or her own Personal Physician and children have their own Pediatrician.
- The operation of the YESY in a single electronic system, ranked Cyprus from a tail to a pioneer in the digitization of the health sector and the operation of electronic records.
- For the first time, the right to choose a medicine and the free coverage of one choice of medicine was ensured for the whole population.
- Every household has access to its neighbourhood pharmacy and laboratory, achieving easy access and rapid service.
- As a corollary to the above, there has been a general improvement in all health sector indicators, which was confirmed a few days ago by a relevant Commission report.
THE GENERAL HEALTH SYSTEM IN NUMBERS
The massive acceptance of the General Health System by the public was evident from the very first day of its implementation. Three years later, the number of beneficiaries receiving daily health services is the most striking proof that the GHS has been embraced by citizens and society.
According to the official statistics of the Health Insurance Agency, from 1 June 2019 to 1 June 2022. [*] 777,000 beneficiaries have visited their Personal Physicians [*] 756,000 beneficiaries have visited their Specialist Physicians [*] 769,000 beneficiaries have obtained medications through prescription fulfillment from GIS-contracted pharmacies. [*] 686,000 beneficiaries have undergone laboratory tests [*] 153,000 beneficiaries have visited CAHs [*] 159,000 beneficiaries have received inpatient care services [/LIST]
GESY: A LIVING SYSTEM
GESY is a living system that is constantly evolving and improving. Every day it is called upon to supervise, identify and manage a significant number of providers, beneficiaries and claims with the sole aim of providing optimal health care services.
One of the most important challenges is undoubtedly the fight against abuses, which not only concerns the financial aspect but also the access of patients who are in real need of health care services. For this reason, the Agency has taken a series of measures, drawing up a strategic action plan with four pillars to deal effectively with abuse:
[*]Monitoring the behaviour of providers under contract with the Agency. [*]Analysis of data and strengthening of controls. [*]Creating a culture of rational use of the System by beneficiaries and encouraging beneficiaries to report abusive activities. [*]Organisation, staffing, development and improvement of procedures.
The Health Insurance Agency's strategy does not only focus on punishing violations, but mainly on prevention.
In addition to the implementation of the Action Plan for Combating Abuses, the Health Insurance Agency, as part of the continuous improvement and upgrading of the System, sets other essential issues as a priority:
- Inclusion of innovative drugs and treatments
- Enrichment of the service package
- Increasing patient choice
- Upgrading the quality of services provided
- Adoption of international best practices to make the System even more efficient
The General Health System of Cyprus started its journey three years ago based on its human-centred character, which faithfully serves the basic principles of social solidarity, justice and universality.
A journey with all the citizens and the human resources of our country's health sector as companions. Three years later, this journey continues with the primary objective of developing and improving the System, always focusing on improving the quality of life of our fellow human beings. This social dimension of the reform is also the highest priority of the Health Insurance Organisation, through lifelong equal and unhindered access to quality health care services for all citizens.
(NΓ/EXP)
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