Themistokleous: From April 1, referrals will be charged – 2024-03-14 04:25:11

Starting from April 1st, the charge will be 1 euro for referrals for blood tests and 3 euros for referrals for radiological tests, as announced by the Deputy Minister of Health, Marios Themistokleous.

Mr. Themistokleous justified the upcoming charge saying that it is due to the increase in the participation of the insured in the pharmaceutical expenditure for examinations in the private sector.

“This is because after the pandemic there was a large reduction in diagnostic tests in public structures, which continues even now that the coronavirus is over. We want to bring diagnostic tests back to public facilities. Anyone who goes for exams at public hospitals, his participation will be zero,” he said speaking to SKAI.

Regarding the complaints about staff shortages and waiting lists in the afternoon surgeries of the National Health Service, Mr. Themistokleous replied: “The staff (nursing staff – paramedical staff) is sufficient. The hospitals themselves confirmed this and responded positively when asked. The measure premiered yesterday (12/3) and in 18 months from today we expect a significant reduction in waiting times.”