Investigation Completed into Delayed Cancer Diagnosis in Child

The Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) has completed its investigation into a complaint regarding a delayed cancer diagnosis in a child. The investigation did not find any irregular registration with a personal physician but resulted in recommendations for the doctor replacement process.

The complaint was filed by parents in October, who claimed that the delay in diagnosis was linked to the implementation of the personal physician replacement mechanism within the General Healthcare System (GHS). The case was brought before the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights.

According to the HIO, it was found that the personal physician replacement mechanism was not implemented in accordance with the law, resulting in recommendations being made to the pediatrician. The HIO also reminded all personal physicians of the correct replacement practices and is re-evaluating the process.

The HIO clarified that the GHS IT system records a history of doctor registrations and changes. Telephone service, introduced in April 2024, does not replace the requirement for a physical examination in new cases.

Parents are informed of doctor changes via email and through the GHS Beneficiary Portal. There are no delayed diagnosis indicators, but quality criteria and clinical guidelines are applied.