On Monday, 25 November 2024, the Cyprus Association for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease (CYCCA), together with a representative of the Cyprus Federation of Patient Associations (CyFPA) and a representative of the Cyprus Gastroenterology Society (CGS), held a meeting with the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) at the HIO offices. Present at the meeting were: Mrs Natasa Theodosiou (CYCCA), Mrs Athena Spanou (CYCCA), Mr Andreas Christodoulou (CyFPA), Dr Theodora Kalli (Gastroenterologist – CGS), Mrs Sofia Petridou (HIO), Mrs Gnosia Achniotou (HIO), Mr Athos Tsinonidis (HIO) and Mrs Ioanna Pazourou (HIO).
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the pending requests submitted by CYCCA to the Parliamentary Health Committee on 4 July 2024.
Some of the requests submitted were the following:
1. Measurement of drug levels and antibodies in patients receiving biological therapies – Inclusion in GeSY (CYCCA has been requesting this since 2020!)
Response: This is a request that needs to be reviewed again based on research and scientific literature. A new committee is expected to be appointed by the end of the year to examine such matters, and a written response to our request is expected during 2025.
2. Inclusion of nutritional supplements and nutritional products in GeSY (Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Vivomixx, VSL#3, etc.)
Response: A relevant application must be submitted to the Advisory Committee on Medicines by a physician contracted with GeSY, accompanied by all the necessary scientific literature for evaluation. The Cyprus Gastroenterology Society must determine which nutritional supplements are considered essential for the treatment of patients with IBD and submit a formal request through the system. The Vice-President of the CGS committed to presenting the matter to the rest of the board for consideration.
3. Inclusion of Ferinject for patients with IBD (CYCCA and the Cyprus Gastroenterology Society have been requesting this since 2020!)
Response: The agreement process between the HIO and the supplier company has progressed significantly. Pricing negotiations are still pending. We expect to receive an update by the end of the year.
4. Inclusion of bowel preparation products for colonoscopy
Response: It was suggested that an application be submitted to the Advisory Committee on Medicines by a physician contracted with GeSY, accompanied by all the necessary scientific literature. However, this process is complex and does not satisfy us as a solution. It was also noted that, since these products are not used frequently, they are not considered essential for provision through GeSY, similarly to many other products or consumables.
5. Allowing Clinical Dietitians/Nutritionists contracted with GeSY, who do not work in public hospitals, to prescribe nutritional formulas (e.g. Modulen)
Response: This issue must be discussed again with the Ministry of Health, which is responsible for nutritional products.
6. Availability of medications through private GeSY pharmacies and not only through state pharmacies
Response: Apart from biological therapies, all other medications can already be obtained by patients through GeSY pharmacies.
7. Dispensing medication every two months instead of monthly
Response: Prescriptions for a two-month supply have already begun for a specific biological therapy (ADALIMUMAB). Patients may discuss this option with their physicians.
