Complaints over inadequate care, services and the inappropriate behaviour of health care professionals have prompted the federation of patients’ associations (Osak) to express their concern over the protection of the general health system (Gesy) on Tuesday.

“It is not possible that, in a country with the lowest rates of unmet health needs and a system that can ensure universal access to health services, protection and control mechanisms do not function effectively,” Osak said.

The federation said it had received a total of 20 complaints in January, urging that health care providers prioritise their patients’ needs and recognise their vulnerable position.

Osak said that in many cases, patients may file a complaint but did not wish to initiate a formal investigation, which was required to proceed with an examination and attribute responsibility where necessary.  

“The responsibility is collective. At the same time, however, uncontrolled attacks against hospitals and professionals, as well as drawing conclusions before completing investigations, or even before officially filing complaints, do not constitute good information practices,” it said.

Osak called on the HIO to implement necessary measures including new policies and relevant improvements to ensure the protection of both patients and the general health system.

Concluding its statement, the federation appealed to the health ministry to effectively exercise its supervisory role.

On Monday, the daughter of a 92-year-old man who died after eight days in Larnaca general hospital raised serious concerns over his care, calling for government to intervene.

She described “tragic shortcomings, lack of communication and dangerous omissions” during his stay.

“He was given food and tea, even though he could not swallow,” she said, adding that he subsequently experienced aspiration in his lungs and his condition deteriorated.

She said that the family had been asked to sign consent forms to restrain her father because he was restless.

A member of the nursing staff later admitted that no instructions had been given regarding feeding.

Okypy is currently investigating two incidents of alleged patient neglect that were made public in the last two weeks.

The first case concerns the death of a 42-year-old female patient following a surgery at Larnaca general hospital.

In the second case, healthcare professionals are accused of failing to provide adequate care to a 72-year-old patient.