improved longevity for other ages, particularly for older people with chronic diseases. While traditional Mediterranean eating habits are low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates, this diet has been gradually abandoned in favour of fast-food dietary habits that are high in animal protein, saturated fat and cholesterol. This has contributed to the increasing amounts of overweight and obese Cypriots and, along with the prevalence of high blood pressure in Cyprus, is a major contributing factor to the high rate of cardiovascular diseases in the country. Cyprus is committed to the EU Action Plan on Childhood Obesity 2014–20, which demonstrates the shared commitment of EU member states to addressing childhood obesity. Additional health concerns in Cyprus are related mainly to health care issues associated with an ageing population. These include an increase in health care costs due to the rise in long-term chronicdegenerative disease, as well as an increase in cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Cyprus is focusing on preventive health care services, screening programmes and health education to combat the rise in preventable NCDs. For definitions and sources see page 314. Universal health coverage Almost three-fifths of health care in Cyprus (57 per cent) was paid for by patients or funded by other non-governmental entities – such as private insurers, charities or employers – in 2012. Total health expenditure constituted 7.3 per cent of GDP in 2012, of which 43 per cent (US$841 per capita) was covered by the government. Public health care is accessed through a medical card, which is means tested. To be eligible for the card, citizens also need to have paid into the Social Insurance taxation scheme. There are small charges to pay even with the card – currently €3 for a visit to a GP and €6 for an appointment with a specialist. Those without a medical card can still access public health facilities, but will pay higher charges – currently €15 for a GP appointment and €30 to see a specialist. The medical card is available to Cypriot citizens and EU residents permanently residing in Cyprus. R e p u b l i c o f Cy p r u s The accident and emergency departments of public hospitals are available to everyone. All patients pay €10 for a visit to accident and emergency, with a few exemptions, such as soldiers and those with disabilities. Cyprus has signed and ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which includes ‘the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’. The covenant commits signees to providing healthy and hygienic environmental conditions, controlling epidemic diseases, improving child health and facilitating access to health services without discrimination. Care of the elderly: Approximately 140,000 people in Cyprus are over the age of 65 – 12 per cent of the population (2013). At the age of 60, a person living in Cyprus can be expected to live for an additional 22 years on average. The social pension was introduced in 1995 and is awarded on a pensions-tested basis. Population over 65 There are government home care services for the elderly who cannot care for themselves, and both public and private retirement homes. Cyprus has a Community Service Programme for dementia sufferers, organised by the Mental Health Service, which sees home visits to support dementia patients and their caregivers. Further information Ministry of Health: www.moh.gov.cy Commonwealth Health Online: www.commonwealthhealth.org/health/europe/cyprus Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015 167 12%
Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015
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