Paphos residents have warned of possible action over continued delays at Paphos general hospital, with the canteen still closed six years after it ceased operating and no executive director being appointed.

Despite assurances from the health ministry since April that steps would be taken to appoint an executive director and resolve the canteen issue, no substantial progress has been reported.

The appointment of such a position is intended to give Paphos general hospital greater administrative autonomy from Limassol hospital.

Diko MP Chrysanthos Savvides has submitted a parliamentary question to the Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides seeking an update on the recruitment process, including whether the selection procedure has been completed, what stages remain and when an appointment is expected.

Savvides also lambasted the continued closure of the canteen, saying “for six years now, Okypy has been making fun of us with the canteen issue”.

He said he had warned that if the canteen was not reopened by September, “we will go and open it ourselves”.

He further commented that the hospital’s toilets were also closed and that visitors had limited access to basic refreshments.

Authorities have previously indicated that a new tender would be issued for the canteen with revised terms and a lower rent in an effort to attract operators.

Some interest has reportedly been expressed, yet potential operators are understood to be concerned about the number of people visiting the hospital and the viability of such a business.

Savvides also drew attention to the fact that the executive director position had also been delayed, despite a proposal for legislation being made a year ago.