General Health System (Cyprus)

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The General Health System (GeSY) is the universal health insurance system in Cyprus. It was established through three government bills and regulations agreed by parliament after prolonged negotiations led by Health Minister George Pamoridis, who played a key role in its introduction.

### History
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The original legislation on the operation of the GeSY was passed in 2001, but it took 16 years for the system to be fully implemented. The three government bills and relevant regulations were agreed by parliament members on 16 June 2017, following prolonged negotiations led by George Pamoridis. As a target date, by which the system would be fully operational, 1 July 2020 was defined.

### Operation
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The operation of GeSY services is in the hands of the Cyprus Health Insurance Agency (CHA), which manages the resources to finance the system.

### System Costs
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As of 1 March 2019, the system covers outpatient care. The contributions are as follows:

* Workers and pensioners: 1.7% of their income
* Employers: 1.85%
* State: 1.65%
* Self-employed individuals: 2.55%

As of 1 March 2020, the system also covers hospital care for patients.

### History of Implementation
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In November 2022, the Cyprus Association of Research and Development Pharmaceutical Companies organised a conference to review the steps and achievements in the three years since the introduction of GeSY.

The Health Insurance Organisation is responsible for running these services.