Occupational Therapy Impasse: Parents in Despair in Cyprus

An impasse is observed in the provision of occupational therapy services in Cyprus, leading to parents expressing their despair. The lack of agreement between the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) and private occupational therapists leaves many children without the necessary services, while families are forced to pay significant amounts out of pocket.

The President of the Cyprus Federation of Patients Associations (OSAK), Charalambos Papadopoulos, stated that efforts have been made to bridge the differences, but unfortunately without result. Citizens only have access to OKYpY occupational therapists, which are not sufficient to cover all needs.

The President of the Cyprus ADHD Support Association, Marina Georgiou, stressed that the situation leads to inequalities and financial exclusion, as many families cannot afford private sessions. The Association subsidizes its members with a fixed amount (€50) per month, but this is not enough.

Ms. Georgiou pointed out that before the GHS, the Ministry of Health subsidized parents with €20 per occupational therapy visit. A question also arises regarding the management of the amount transferred annually to the HIO for occupational therapy services, which remains unexploited due to the non-inclusion of private occupational therapists in the GHS.

Both Mr. Papadopoulos and Ms. Georgiou stressed the need for the immediate inclusion of private occupational therapists in the GHS, either through direct contracts or support programs, to ensure equal access for all children to the necessary services.