The House plenum on Thursday voted through legislation regulating for the first time the provision of palliative care in Cyprus.

The law, passed unanimously, regulates the operation, licensing and oversight of palliative care centres.

It sets out the requirements for establishing and operating such facilities, as well as the healthcare standards.

Additionally, it seeks to bolster patient rights – for example requiring a patient’s express consent for the participation of family or others in providing palliative care.

MP Efthymios Diplaros said people “at their most vulnerable” will now have access to all the healthcare services they need.

The legislation institutes the establishment of specialised palliative care units within hospitals and other structures. It also covers home care, and regulates the training of healthcare professionals.

In her own remarks, Akel’s Marina Nicolaou said the law was a long time coming.

Other MPs noted how, up until now, palliative care was provided by two organisations – the Anti-Cancer Society and the Association of Cancer Patients and Friends (Pasykaf).

Diko’s Panicos Leonidou welcomed the passage of the legislation as “a step toward more dignified living for seriously ill patients”.

To date, palliative care in Cyprus was primarily provided by specialised, free-of-charge services focusing on quality of life for patients with cancer and other terminal illnesses.

Key providers include the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society – operating the Arodaphnousa Centre – and Pasykaf (with mobile home care and Edem/Archangel Michael hospices). Services include pain management, counseling, and home care.