Cyprus Pharmacies May Close on Holidays and at Night

Pharmacies in Cyprus are threatening to close during holidays and at night due to issues with working hours and non-compliance with established regulations by some pharmacies.

Starting October 1, when the winter schedule begins, pharmacists plan to stop operating outside regular working hours. This decision follows a temporary court ruling affecting nine pharmacies across Cyprus, which essentially allows these pharmacies to set their own opening and closing times.

In an interview with the Reporter website, Plutarchos Georgiades, head of the Pharmaceutical Association, explained that pharmacists have been waiting for two years for a court decision on a temporary ruling that regulates operations during holidays and nighttime. The current ruling permits certain pharmacies to open and close at their own discretion.

It is also noted that there is a Ministry of Health directive concerning pharmacy hours during holidays and nighttime.

According to the union leader, the temporary ruling was issued pending a decision on an appeal that has been pending for two years. The court will make the final decision.

"Both the Ministry and the courts need to understand that we are not commercial entities; we are healthcare professionals working for the benefit of patients. Our role is to provide access to medication during hours when other pharmacies are closed," said Plutarchos Georgiades.