Cyprus Ministry of Health plans to solve the shortage of nurses within three years

The Ministry of Health of Cyprus is stepping up efforts to attract students to the nursing and midwifery profession in order to overcome staff shortages. This was stated by Minister of Health Michalis Damianos, speaking at the Second Scientific Conference on Nursing and Midwifery, organized by the Pan-Cyprian Union of Nurses in Paralimni.

According to him, this year marks the second consecutive information campaign aimed at increasing interest in the profession. Last year's campaign proved very effective, leading to an 85% increase in the number of first-year nursing students.

Michalis Damianos expressed confidence that within three years the shortage of qualified specialists in this category will be significantly overcome — namely nurses trained in Cyprus, holding professionally equivalent diplomas and, importantly, with good knowledge of the Greek language.

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In his speech, the minister stressed that nursing and midwifery are not just professions but vocations, standing at the forefront of quality healthcare. He emphasized that the quality of medical care is determined not only by statistics but by the actual impact it has on people’s lives — their physical, psychological, and social well-being.

According to the minister, quality nursing care requires conditions such as continuous education, clear professional standards, adequate staffing, intersectoral coordination, and genuine participation of nurses in decision-making. He highlighted the need for institutional support and recognition of nurses not only as executors but as scientific and professional partners in shaping and implementing health policy.

The Ministry also noted the active role of the Pan-Cyprian Union of Nurses, which acts not only as a trade union defending rights but as an organization promoting professional development and improvement of nursing practice in Cyprus.