The Ministry of Health is preparing to transfer its overseas patient referral service to the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) in October, with procedures now underway to integrate the programme into the General Healthcare System (GHS).
Health Minister Michalis Damianos announced that 19 September will be the final date for patients and doctors to submit overseas treatment applications to the Health Ministry, with the HIO assuming responsibility from 2 October.
The ministry will continue handling urgent cases between 19 September and 1 October during the transition period, Damianos said in statements to Phileleftheros.
Health ministry sets 19 September deadline for final applications
HIO officials have been training at the Health Ministry for approximately three months as part of preparation for the transfer, with comprehensive planning completed at the organisation level.
“I believe the HIO will be ready in October to assume the overseas patient referral programme,” Damianos stated, adding that procedural modifications are expected under HIO management but should not create problems for patients.
The Health Ministry will retain responsibility for 15-20% of referrals involving non-GHS beneficiaries, as the HIO cannot legally handle these cases. This remaining department will continue operating and provide support if needed.
Outstanding companion allowance payments face processing delays
Patient companion subsidies will remain under Health Ministry administration, with officials acknowledging current payment delays and problems.
“In very urgent cases, companions receive advance payments but we certainly have delays,” Damianos said. “We have increased the number of our staff and are proceeding to review all outstanding invoices to settle them.”
The ministry is finalising plans to simplify procedures for companion allowances, with officials working to address existing gaps and problems in the system.
Staff increases have been implemented to handle the backlog of pending companion allowance invoices that have caused difficulties for citizens awaiting payment.
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