OSAK: Dialysis Patients Denied Vacation Rights Due to Hospital Transfer Refusals

Patient organizations in Cyprus have reported that people on hemodialysis are being refused temporary transfers to other hospitals, preventing them from taking a few days of vacation. According to the federation of patient associations (OSAK), dialysis departments rejected 44 such requests. One patient, who planned to spend a few days with his wife in a house in the free zone of Famagusta, was denied both the transfer and a reduction in treatment frequency from three to two sessions during the short trip, resulting in a canceled vacation.

Dialysis is a procedure that replaces kidney function in patients with severe renal failure. It is performed several times a week and is essential for sustaining life. Therefore, the inability to transfer temporarily effectively “anchors” patients to their regular treatment facility.

OSAK Honorary President Marios Koulumas told Phileleftheros that such requests systematically receive negative responses unless the federation itself or politicians intervene. “If OSAK or a member of parliament gets involved, there is a chance of a positive outcome; without such intervention, the answer is always negative,” he noted. Koulumas added that these refusals effectively “trap people at home,” depriving them of the opportunity to spend a few days with their family. He emphasized that continuous access to treatment is a key patient right.

Special concerns relate to the Famagusta hospital dialysis unit. Patients report the absence of a doctor during procedures and unstable duty schedules. OSAK has sent appeals to the State Health Services Organization (SHSO); however, according to the federation, “there is no willingness to offer serious solutions” due to fears that doctors may resign, paralyzing the unit. An official response regarding specific transfer refusals has not yet been received.

The Famagusta hospital is part of the SHSO network and includes, among other things, 23 day beds for dialysis. SHSO management previously denied allegations of declining service quality, stating that patient needs are met through duty schedules and on-call systems. In October 2024, the organization reported that the unit was staffed with two nephrologists, and temporary coverage in Larnaca was due to personnel reshuffling.

Patient organizations insist that the overcrowding of dialysis units should not deprive people of the right to short-term vacations and family time. OSAK urges SHSO to establish a clear procedure for temporary hospital transfers so that patients are not left hostage to the situation.