Parliament Vote On Patient Ombudsman: A Step Forward for Cyprus Healthcare

by News Editor

April 12, 2025

In a noteworthy move, Cyprus’ House of Representatives has endorsed a significant bill introducing a Patient Ombudsman and boosting oversight of the General Healthcare System (GeSY). This marks an essential step in elevating healthcare standards across the nation.

President Nikos Christodoulides has welcomed this development, emphasizing its alignment with his administration’s commitments to prioritize the healthcare system alongside education. In his statement on April 10, he expressed that this enactment is not just a promise fulfilled but a stride in fortifying healthcare services across Cyprus.

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Strengthening Patient Rights And Ensuring Effective Management

Establishing the Patient Ombudsman aims to fill an existing gap, providing an independent channel to defend and support patients’ rights. This initiative reflects a longstanding societal demand for a robust mechanism to safeguard healthcare consumer interests.

Meanwhile, the bill fortifying GeSY supervision is a cornerstone for transparency and accountability. It pledges a well-managed, sustainable healthcare system, ensuring Cyprus’s health services remain robust for future generations.

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Paphos Tourism Board Reports Strong Uptake For Smart Signage Programme

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 25, 2026

The Paphos regional board of tourism (Etap Paphos) says its smart signage programme continues to attract strong visitor engagement, highlighting the growing role of digital tools in destination management and tourism experiences.

Designed to replace traditional information boards with interactive and environmentally friendly signage, the initiative aims to improve access to information while supporting a more sustainable visitor experience.

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QR Code Engagement Continues To Rise

Between January and June 2026, visitors recorded more than 43,000 QR code scans across 150 smart signs installed throughout the district.

Usage remained strong throughout 2025, with the network generating more than 140,000 scans between January and December, indicating that the platform has become an established part of the region’s tourism offering.

Top Destinations Attract The Most Interest

Data from Etap Paphos show that the most frequently accessed locations in 2025 included Panagia Chrysopolitissa, the Monastery of Agios Neophytos, Kremmiotis Waterfall in Kritou Terra, the Catacomb of Agia Solomoni and the Maa-Palaiokastro archaeological site in the Municipality of Akamas.

Among international users, the largest numbers of scans came from visitors from the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, Israel and Greece, excluding permanent residents of Cyprus.

Expansion Continues In 2026

Further expansion is planned this year, with the seventh phase of the programme already underway.

Eight additional smart signs are scheduled for installation at points of interest and natural landmarks in Nikokleia, Pelathousa, the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous, Letymbou and the Municipality of Akamas.

By scanning a QR code, visitors can access content in their preferred language through a smartphone or tablet. Available features include audio guides, written information, photographs, videos and 360-degree virtual tours.

Digitalisation As A Tourism Strategy

According to Etap Paphos, digitalisation remains a key pillar of its broader tourism strategy, alongside accessibility, sustainable development, cultural heritage promotion, creative tourism and destination marketing.

These initiatives form part of the organisation’s long-term efforts to strengthen Paphos’ position as a year-round destination while enhancing the visitor experience through technology.

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