The cabinet on Wednesday approved an amendment to legislation proposed by the health ministry, strengthening disciplinary check procedures, enhancing transparency and institutionalising life-long learning for doctors.

Health Minister Michael Damianos told reporters that the bill included important amendments, which allowed for a doctor to be crossed off the registry if found guilty in disciplinary proceedings.

Doctors would also have to cover the cost of the proceedings and could be sued if they failed to do so.

Furthermore, those removed from the registry would have their names added to an online list on the Doctors’ Association website, thus enhancing transparency and cultivating awareness among patients.
Penalties will increase from €500 to €5,000 for doctors practising without a licence.

Regulations would also be issued for life-long training, thus securing the quality and safety of medical treatment.

The amendments were “the result of a productive dialogue and a convergence of views with the Cyprus Doctors’ Association and the Cyprus Medical Council,” Damianos said.

He expected that the amendment would “rattle the medical professional field” but would offer “safer and quality health services” to the people.

The bill will now be submitted to the House for discussion before it is put to the vote.