in-cyprus 7 November 2024 - by Marilena Panayi
Cyprus plans to establish a unified emergency response authority by the end of 2025, bringing ambulance services, fire brigade, and civil defence under one roof, President Nikos Christodoulides told patient organisations on Monday.
The move follows a proposal by the Federation of Patient Associations of Cyprus (CyFPA) to create a single crisis management body modelled after similar agencies abroad, such as Greece’s National Emergency Aid Centre (EKAB).
The restructuring would consolidate emergency response services currently spread across three ministries – Interior, Justice, and Health – aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs.
CyFPA chairman Charalambos Papadopoulos told Fileleftheros that the federation would accept a transitional arrangement, including the establishment of a health ministry advisory committee to oversee private ambulance licensing.
“We understand this is the third time in five years we’ve accepted a transitional arrangement, and we hope this will be the last compromise we’re forced to make”, Papadopoulos said.
The proposed unified body would be responsible for crisis management planning, emergency response coordination, and oversight of the 112 emergency number. It would also handle disaster risk reduction policies and coordinate with facilities hosting large gatherings, such as airports, ports, and sports venues.
The initiative has received support from Cyprus’s two largest political parties, DISY and AKEL, during recent parliamentary health committee discussions.
CyFPA has expressed concerns about creating new legislation for the short transitional period, suggesting the health ministry should seek alternative solutions for licensing requirements in the interim.
The ambulance service has operated under the State Health Services Organisation (SHSO) since 2019, in what was initially described as a temporary arrangement pending proper legislation.
