Teacher in Cyprus Complains of Incorrect Medical Assessment of Her Disability

A teacher in Cyprus has reported serious violations in the medical assessment procedure of her condition. According to her, the commission reviewed her case without the participation of a rheumatologist, despite the fact that she suffers from a rheumatic disease.

The woman filed a complaint with state services, as well as the Cyprus Confederation of Organisations for Disabled People and the Cyprus Federation of Patient Associations.

She stated that during the examination, the commission only conducted a brief interview without reviewing medical documents or MRI results that confirmed the worsening of her condition. Later, she was informed that these results could not be considered as the decision had been made on the same day.

The teacher also noted that her condition falls under the category of "invisible disabilities," which are difficult to assess without the participation of relevant specialists. However, according to her, during the assessment in Limassol, she was told that no rheumatologist would be present and orthopedists would conduct the examination.

The woman has been trying to be included in the special education system lists since 2016, when her health began to deteriorate significantly.

Marios Kouloumas, Honorary President of the Cyprus Federation of Organisations for Disabled People, stated that such cases point to systemic problems and discrimination against people with invisible forms of disability.

According to him, many people are forced to undergo numerous medical commissions and resubmit documents repeatedly, yet their applications are often rejected due to outdated protocols and assessment criteria.