Filenews 3 December 2025
The complete renovation of the existing hospital in Polis Chrysochous, instead of the creation of a new one, is requested by the President of OSAK, Marios Kouloumas, in an open letter to the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides. As he states in his letter, the process of studying, maturing, licensing and building a new hospital is extremely time-consuming and staffing
new hospitals — especially in remote areas — is particularly difficult. On the contrary, he adds, the complete renovation of the existing hospital has already been studied, has a specific design, and is estimated at approximately €1,200,000, an amount many times more realistic and feasible in a short time.
This letter
On the occasion of your recent public announcement for the construction of a new, modern hospital in Polis Chrysochous — an announcement that was welcomed by all stakeholders, health professionals and political parties — allow me to submit some thoughts and documented suggestions after discussions with local health professionals and other stakeholders, for the rational planning of health services in the region.
It goes without saying that we all want high-quality, modern health services for every citizen of our country. However, in order to make decisions that are feasible, sustainable and operationally effective, I consider it crucial to take into account specific data and parameters.
1. The position and role of Polis Chrysochous
Polis Chrysochous is the administrative and commercial center of the wider Chrysochous area, covering a number of communities from Akamas to the Pomos-Pyrgi area. The permanent population of the area is estimated at 3,500–4,000 inhabitants, with a significant seasonal increase during the summer months due to tourism.
The area relies almost exclusively on Polis Chrysochous Hospital for primary and secondary emergency care, while Paphos Hospital is about a 45–50 minute drive away.
2. Existing Services of Polis Chrysochous Hospital
The hospital provides a significant range of services within the OKYPY network, covering the real needs of the local community:
2.1 Accident & Emergency Department (24/7)
• Full operation and ambulance station.
2.2 Clinical Ward (11 beds)
• Pathological and cardiac cases.
• Short-stay unit for short-term treatments.
• Day-care unit and weekly diabetes clinic.
2.3 Cardiology Unit
• Fatigue test, Holter, echocardiogram.
2.4 Outpatient Clinics
• Pathological, paediatric, general medicine.
• Specialized clinics by visiting doctors: orthopaedics, ophthalmology, psychiatry, urology, plastic surgery, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
2.5 Clinical Laboratory
• Daily operation, with afternoon hours and Saturday.
2.6 Radiology Department
• 24-hour operation for A&E and outpatients.
• Installation of a bone density measuring machine and a CT scanner is planned.
2.7 Dental Practice and Community Services
• Complete dental care.
• Health checks and cooperation with rural clinics in the area.
3. Existing Weaknesses – Need for Immediate Upgrade
Despite its good operation, the hospital faces significant limitations:
• Limited hospital beds (only 11).
• Limited building and operational infrastructure.
• Need for modern equipment and better workplaces for staff and patients.
Already, in order to install the new machines (CT, bone density), interventions in the existing space are required – which suggests that upgrades are inevitable, even if a decision is made for a new hospital.
4. Realistic Estimate: New Hospital or Renovation?
It is common knowledge that:
• The process of design, maturation, licensing and construction of a new hospital is extremely time-consuming.
• Even smaller projects are often delayed or left unfinished.
• Staffing new hospitals — especially in remote areas — is particularly difficult.
Contrariwise:
• The complete renovation of the existing hospital has already been studied,
• it has a specific design,
• and is estimated at approximately €1,200,000,
an amount many times more realistic and feasible in a short time.
According to the technocrats, the studies and the opinion of the bodies directly involved, the upgrade can create a modern, functional and sustainable local hospital, completely adequate for the needs of the region.
5. Conclusion – Recommendation
Your Excellency President,
Taking into account all the data that have been set over time by health professionals, local bodies and competent services, the most realistic, immediate and sustainable solution for the region, under the current conditions, is:
The complete renovation and upgrade of the existing Polis Chrysochous Hospital.
This solution:
• responds directly to the real needs of the residents;
• ensures quality and safety;
• is economically and functionally viable;
• and can be implemented within a reasonable period of time without delaying the provision of health services.
With deep respect,
Marios Kouloumas
Honorary President of OSAK
