Cyprus has issued licenses to 20 new private clinics, but healthcare lacks hundreds of nurses

The Ministry of Health of Cyprus has approved five-year operating licenses for 20 new private clinics. However, the shortage of staff remains a serious problem: the system needs at least 643 nurses, as well as dozens of midwives and mental health specialists.

Health Minister Michalis Damianou presented updated data on the situation to parliament. According to him, only in state hospitals 42 nurses are missing, while private clinics lack hundreds of positions.

At the moment, 79 private hospitals are operating on the island, and they need 475 specialists to ensure the functioning of all beds. The emergence of new facilities will almost double the demand for qualified staff.

The Ministry links the staffing shortage to the decreasing interest of young people in the nursing profession. In 2024, €120,000 was allocated for a campaign promoting nursing, and the result exceeded expectations: the number of first-year students increased from 98 to 182 — almost by 86%.

In 2025 the program continued, and 175 students were admitted to nursing faculties.

Cyprus is also participating in the presidential initiative «Minds in Cyprus», aimed at bringing qualified professionals back to the country. For healthcare workers returning from abroad, the procedure for registration with professional councils has been simplified.

The Ministry is preparing an accelerated four-month course for paramedics and caregivers. In cooperation with the ministries of migration and labour, amendments to the nursing law are being developed to speed up the licensing of candidates from third countries.

In addition, Cyprus has joined the World Health Organization project «Nursing Action», designed for three years. Its goal is to develop policies to retain and support nurses in EU countries.

Responding to a question from MP Andreas Apostolou, Minister Damianou confirmed that the possibility of introducing paid practice for medical students is being discussed. The decision will be made jointly with the Ministry of Labour within the framework of a new bill.