Private hospitals in Cyprus have a serious problem. They do not have enough qualified nurses. The Cyprus Association of Private Hospitals (Pasin) is blaming public sector nursing unions. Pasin also says the Ministry of Health is not acting fast enough. Marios Karaiskakis, the president of Pasin, is very unhappy. He said talks have not worked. Private hospitals are close to having big problems with their work.
A law about hiring foreign nurses is stuck. This law would help hire nurses educated in Cyprus. Pasin says public sector unions are against this law. They believe this stops new nurses from coming. This makes it hard to find staff. It also makes nurse salaries higher.
The government wants to do a new study about the nurse shortage. Pasin thinks this is a way to delay things. Karaiskakis said they need nurses now. A new study is not helpful. Pasin believes the Ministry of Health has not found real solutions. They have also not kept promises.
A rule makes it harder for foreign nurses. Nurses educated in Cyprus but from other countries need more training. They need a postgraduate qualification. Cypriot nurses only need a Bachelor's degree. Pasin says this rule is unfair. It stops foreign nurses from working there.
Because of this problem, private hospitals are suffering. Pasin warns that private hospitals may have to stop taking new patients. They might also stop some services. In the worst case, they could close. This would be very bad for people needing healthcare in Cyprus.