Mental Health Patients Face Delays in Cyprus

The Health Committee of the Parliament discussed the problems faced by patients with mental health issues, with relatives stating they feel helpless. Cases were reported where individuals with potential mental health problems remained in custody or police cars for hours, awaiting a decree for their hospitalization.

The National Strategy for Mental Health and the progress of the new Athalassa hospital were also discussed. The first phase has been completed, while the second phase, estimated to cost around 40 million, is in the feasibility study stage.

MP Savia Orphanidou stated that mental health issues are the biggest scourge of the times and that the state must support patients and families. She emphasized the need for prevention from a young age, mentioning DISY's proposals for school nurses and preventive check-ups.

AKEL MP Christos Christofias mentioned that the implementation of the national strategy has not been adequately monitored and that there is a need to upgrade psychiatric services. He also referred to the delays in the reconstruction of Athalassa hospital.

DIKO MP Chrysanthos Savvidis emphasized that the government is implementing the National Mental Health Strategy 2025-2028 and welcomed the progress of the second phase of Athalassa hospital. He also referred to the need to include more psychology specialties in the GHS (GESY).

DIPA MP Michalis Yakoumi stressed that the legislation on psychiatric hospitalization is outdated and that patients are at the mercy of God. He called for a revision of the legislation, as people are being held in prison cells or police cars awaiting a decision on their hospitalization.