New HIO head determined to tackle Gesy budget and contracts

The new head of the embattled Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) said on Monday they are committed to tackling all outstanding issues affecting the agency, beginning with their budget for fiscal year 2023.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Stavros Michail – appointed to the job only last week – said they would work hard throughout the week so that they prepare their budget and forward it to the ministries of health and finance.

At the same time, starting next week, Michail will hold a series of meetings with stakeholders on a range of issues, which he described as “serious”.

One major outstanding issue relates to the new contracts to be signed between the HIO and healthcare facilities. The current contracts expire at the end of the year.

The HIO is the agency tasked with running the national health system, or Gesy.

The matter of the contracts with hospitals participating in Gesy was brought up in parliament earlier, where lawmakers heard that the HIO reimburses different hospitals with different rates for the same type of medical procedure.

Also up for discussion is the possible inclusion into Gesy of the Emergency & Accident departments of private hospitals that are already part of the system.

Michail said talks are ongoing with various private hospitals on this.

The new HIO head was asked about a decision to terminate the work of doctors who have a private practice within hospitals that are part of Gesy, although these doctors themselves are not registered with Gesy.

Michail said that decision stands, and that as of November 1 of this year these doctors will no longer be eligible to work at hospitals, unless they apply to join Gesy. Replying to a follow-up question, Michail said he did not know how many doctors are affected.

The HIO boss was also asked about the intention of Diko MP Zacharias Koulias to table a bill that would amend the law governing Gesy, abolishing the HIO and transferring the running of the national health system directly to the health ministry.

Michail commented only that this is a “very serious matter”. Discussions would need to be held with the health ministry.

The official said he has asked to see the health minister, and that a meeting will likely take place sometime over the next few days.

Michail got the job as head of the HIO just last week, after the previous boss resigned amid allegations of conflict of interest.