Filenews 17 February 2026
The Pancyprian Association of Diagnostic Centers (PASYDIKE) expresses strong dissatisfaction and concern in relation to the bill that is expected to be voted next Thursday by the plenary session of the Parliament. This bill makes the continuous physical presence of a radiologist mandatory in all imaging examinations.
As stated in an announcement by the Association, after extensive and continuous consultations, both with the 47 members of PASYDIKE, as well as with new diagnostic centers that have expressed their intention to register with the Association, it becomes obvious that the imposition of this measure dramatically limits the quality of the imaging services provided, jeopardizes the viability of imaging centers and at the same time degrades the field of radiology technologists.
"The condition of the constant physical presence of a radiologist will certainly create serious problems in the operation of the health system. Today, the available number of radiologists in Cyprus is not sufficient to support such an arrangement," it is stated.
It is added that the smooth operation of several diagnostic centers is based on the cooperation with radiologists, within the framework of the internationally recognized teleradiology system, which has contributed decisively to the containment of waiting lists and the timely and quality service of patients.
"To be precise, this measure will lead to the closure of most radiology centers with the consequent fact that the patient cannot be served within a reasonable period of time. At the same time, the production of exams will be concentrated in specific providers, with increased financial benefit for a few and at the expense of the whole", emphasizes the Association.
PASYDIKE, it is also mentioned, has prepared and submitted a relevant study to the Parliamentary Committee on Health, which clearly reflects the current reality: out of a total of 201 registered radiologists on a Pancyprian basis, only 12 are considered potentially available, while they are already working.
As reported, there is not a sufficient number of radiologists either in Cyprus or in Greece to meet the needs that such a mandatory regulation would create, a fact that is widely known in the medical world. It is also underlined that the scientifically responsible Radiologist of each diagnostic center bears full and exclusive responsibility for all medical acts and is the most competent to judge whether and when the physical presence of a doctor is required, depending on the type of examination, the severity of the case and the actual clinical needs.
"Despite these facts, the promotion of this legislative proposal is persistently promoted, which shows that the motives are alien and in no way serve the patient", it is stated, while the question is expressed why Cyprus should be an "experiment", when the condition of the physical presence of a radiologist doctor is not provided for or applied in any country worldwide.
PASYDIKE. It states that the roles of radiology technologists and radiologists are distinct but complementary, pointing out that technologists are responsible for performing imaging tests, while radiologists are responsible for medical evaluation and opinion. As noted, international practice and the European legislative framework do not require the mandatory physical presence of a radiologist at every examination, while in recent years teleradiology has been strengthened with specific quality and safety protocols.
At the same time, "strong concern is expressed about the role of the President of the Radiological Society, who, for a long time, according to repeated reports and documented remarks by colleagues, has been making public statements that contain serious inaccuracies and misleading reports, both to the competent bodies and to society".
Finally, the Association calls on the competent bodies to carefully consider the provision for the mandatory physical presence of a radiologist in imaging examinations in the bill under discussion, warning that such a regulation could affect the operation of diagnostic centers and the availability of health services in the future.
CNA
