The proper staffing of the Gregorios clinic, which receives up to 15 new patients with HIV/AIDS per month, is a top priority, the state health services organisation said Tuesday.

The announcement came amidst reports of understaffing at the Larnaca general hospital clinic.

The Gregorios clinic is a reference centre for people living with HIV nationwide as it provides medical care to HIV-positive patients, both at the outpatient and inpatient level, as well as antiretroviral drugs.

It has helped more than 1,330 diagnosed individuals since its establishment in 1996. To date, it receives 12 to 15 new patients every month, Okypy said.

On top of that, the clinic also covers all the medical needs of people that visit it and is a consultancy centre for the entire medical community of Cyprus.

In the context of its multidimensional operation, Okypy said, the Gregorios Clinic is the epidemiological link between the health ministry and international health organisations for the surveillance of HIV infection in Cyprus. The clinic is also a hub of cooperation with relevant NGOs for the promotion and development of all issues related to HIV in Cyprus.

However, the health facility has been operating with one doctor who will soon retire, according to the statements of deputy chairman of the House human rights committee Giorgos Koukoumas on April 3.

“The proper staffing of the Gregorios Clinic with medical personnel is a top priority,” Okypy said, adding that “for this reason all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that there will not be any vacancy after the retirement of the Director of the Clinic”.