The Cyprus Radiologists Society (Aek) on Wednesday condemned the decision of the health insurance organization (HIO) to replace radiologists with “other doctors” to perform radiological examinations as of January 2025.

In a statement the society called on the President and members of the HIO Board of Directors to reconsider the decision at a meeting on January 9.

The radiologists’ association proposed a six-month timeframe be given before January 2026 for radiology centers to comply with the required recruitment of radiologists, as per their contract with the HIO, stating “it is clear that centers that do not comply never will.”

The HIO ought to immediately terminate any contracts with centers that do not comply, as it should have done long ago, the radiologists said. They added that “the wording of the contract [specifies] a ‘physician with a specialty in radiology’ as provided for by the legislation of the general healthcare system (Gesy).”

The decision to permit other specialists to carry out examinations, which had been was ratified by the HIO on December 19, was based on misleading proposals referencing Aek, the radiologists said.

“The excuse of the lack of radiologists is refuted, since there are 184 registered radiologists, [which is] sufficient for the needs,” they said.

The physical presence of a radiologist is absolutely necessary when performing examinations in CT and MRI scanners, whereas the presence of “other doctors” is unnecessary, they stated.

“Aek calls for the immediate revocation of this decision and is committed to protecting the public by ensuring quality through the implementation of European directives,” the announcement concludes.