Free healthcare comes at a price

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galexinda
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Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by galexinda »

Looks good, doesn’t it? A free health service, but how much is really free or are some areas robbing Peter to pay Paul?

In spite of so many complaints, the past system is already being recalled with affection by some old-timers who find the new one utterly confusing.

The elderly mostly favour routine and security of practise. Previously, they went to the outpatients’ clinics, paid their three euros, sat and grumbled at the time it was taking as they waited to see their doctor, got prescriptions on their books and paid a miniscule amount for bags of medical goods. They knew what their medicines were by brand and they got a plentiful supply to tide them over till next time.....

Then Gesy arrived and the making of GP appointments, the waiting for someone to answer a phone to make said appointment and the time allotted that never meant what it said. More waiting, more grumbles; not much change there. They could be worse they thought, they could be really paying for these visits as they would have to in countries without such a service.

Their meds, however, no longer come from the care centre pharmacy for a few euros; they come from many pharmacies hosting the little Gesy sign on windows or doors. And suddenly, brands are not always available, the answer given ‘Supplies have run out.’ Then comes the but… and a big but it is. The brands available may not be on the Gesy list and, another but, it’s more expensive than the ones they are used to.

https://cyprus-mail.com/2019/11/24/free ... J_BJLSZ24Y
trevnhil
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by trevnhil »

All the point there are very true... Also I have never been to see my GP so often in all my life..
You need to see a GP for your prescription, obviously... But if you need blood tests you need a form...
If you need to see a consultant you have to have a form, even though you already have an appointment
Times this by two or three consultants, who need blood tests before you see them, and you soon get used to being in your GP's surgery
Trev..
Sadie
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by Sadie »

I agree, however this for me is a massive improvement as I had access to nothing unless I paid private
So now I contribute through my salary I can access cheaper healthcare, my only issue would be as I’m working my current GP is not as accessible as I need her to be and as I work I can ill afford to spend my time off waiting hours to see her .
If you never ask the question, the answer will always be....no
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mike strand2
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by mike strand2 »

Sadie wrote: Mon Nov 25, 2019 9:32 pm I agree, however this for me is a massive improvement as I had access to nothing unless I paid private
So now I contribute through my salary I can access cheaper healthcare, my only issue would be as I’m working my current GP is not as accessible as I need her to be and as I work I can ill afford to spend my time off waiting hours to see her .
As a long time diabetic, I do need to see my PD fairly often, particularly for the long list of medications. He started me off with a 2-month prescription which was sensible, as he was now taking responsibility for my health. Now that he's happy, I now have one for 6-months. As for getting to see him, that too has not been a problem, apart that is being able to get through to the Evangelismos to make the appointment. My PD doesn't keep me waiting much beyond 10 minutes, unlike at the GH when it could be 4 hours+
Sadie
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by Sadie »

mike strand2 wrote: Fri Nov 29, 2019 10:39 am
Sadie wrote: Mon Nov 25, 2019 9:32 pm I agree, however this for me is a massive improvement as I had access to nothing unless I paid private
So now I contribute through my salary I can access cheaper healthcare, my only issue would be as I’m working my current GP is not as accessible as I need her to be and as I work I can ill afford to spend my time off waiting hours to see her .
As a long time diabetic, I do need to see my PD fairly often, particularly for the long list of medications. He started me off with a 2-month prescription which was sensible, as he was now taking responsibility for my health. Now that he's happy, I now have one for 6-months. As for getting to see him, that too has not been a problem, apart that is being able to get through to the Evangelismos to make the appointment. My PD doesn't keep me waiting much beyond 10 minutes, unlike at the GH when it could be 4 hours+
The biggest issue for me is that she only does a half day surgery on Friday mornings, the other hurdle is battling with the village Yiayias they’re in with the doctor for more than an hour each :roll:
If you never ask the question, the answer will always be....no
Kili01
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by Kili01 »

I had previously been given a referral by my private doctor. to a Gastroenterologist in Nicosia. Well, my experience today when I had a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy , done by the specialist of my choice , at a Nicosia Private hospital has been excellent. Registration there was faultless and quick. I went up to the Endoscopy unit above. I was seen very promptly there and admitted to a bed for day case surgery. The procedure was done soon after, and I woke up,again in my allotted bed. The whole thing went very smoothly. It was done under the Gesy health scheme and I paid my €6 contribution.
So Gesy does work in the right circumstances. I feel v grateful for the expert care that I received.

Dee
Chaddy
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by Chaddy »

Walked into my regular docs the other day,no appointment,and asked for a PSA blood test.Within about ten minutes they took my blood sample and the following day they phoned me back with my results.The bad news is that they asked me for ONE euro for the test.For heavens sake how can anyone complain.
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JimX
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by JimX »

The problem chaddy is not getting your blood testing done or obtaining your if needed drugs, this is excellent now, but I have seen three Urologist specialists at a very reasonable €6 a visit, no complaints from me on this, the problems arise when you need surgery as I do, then I was told at first this will be covered by Gesy (GHS) then I was informed by my last visit expecting to be called in for my surgery, only to be told I will have to pay (4K) as this is not covered by the GHS system, It seems some aspects of seeing specialist and obtaining needed meds as I do (Diabetes) is excellent, but any real problems like surgery are not, until June next year, than what? I have no idea.

Blood testing is fast and cheap now, I use the lab at the Evangelismos private clinic, great service although my GP was then away for two weeks, so I have the full test sheets but no GP to explain the results. :roll:

Obviously some have had good service from the system some haven't, please feel for those unlucky people who have not, in the hope it will improve for all of us.

Dee glad you had a good experience, long way to go though?
Jim.
trevnhil
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by trevnhil »

In June next year inpatient treatment start on the Gesy System.. There should be many Surgeons joining the NHS system and they will be available to do operations, almost for free to the patient..
But I do think there will be an initial rush from people who are holding on for this date to come around so they can have operations done on the Gesy system
Trev..
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PW in Polemi
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by PW in Polemi »

A friend has pointed out a glitch in the system. Her PD prescribed one packet of 28 tablets for one month. But the pharmacy does not hold packets of 28, only 14 and can only issue one packet under that prescription, so my friend is left having to pay for the second packet.

Presumably, glitches like this will be sorted out so patients can receive the quantity prescribed, under the Gesy system.
Kay
Those who do not like cats, must have been mice in a former life! :lol:
trevnhil
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by trevnhil »

I have one atorvastatin tablet each day, and the Pharmacy give me 2 boxes of 14..

But on my monthly prescription it does say 2 boxes.. So I think your friend needs to revisit the doctor and have the prescription changed..
Last edited by trevnhil on Sat Nov 30, 2019 11:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
Trev..
Kili01
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by Kili01 »

Hi HIC,
I’ve sent you a PM.

Dee
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mike strand2
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by mike strand2 »

trevnhil wrote: Sat Nov 30, 2019 9:54 am I have one atorvastatin tablet each day, and the Pharmacy give me 2 boxes of 14..

But on my monthly prescription it does say 2 boxes.. So I think your friend needs to revisit the doctor and have the prescription changed..
I fail to understand why drug companies package many of their medicines as packs of 28 when we have monthly prescriptions. Don't they realise there are normally 30 or 31 days in a month? :?:
trevnhil
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by trevnhil »

Very true Mike, and of course eventually the patient will be short of tablets.. If it is not life threatening you could miss the odd tablet I suppose. Or buy an extra box every so often.
Trev..
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JimX
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by JimX »

Lloyd ''Only one and a half hours each way, Jim, hardly a life changer.'' It is if you are on your own and not feeling well.
Jim.
Uncle D
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by Uncle D »

JimX wrote: Sun Dec 01, 2019 7:04 am Lloyd ''Only one and a half hours each way, Jim, hardly a life changer.'' It is if you are on your own and not feeling well.
Woe is me :roll:
David
jeba
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by jeba »

mike strand2 wrote: Sat Nov 30, 2019 5:47 pm
trevnhil wrote: Sat Nov 30, 2019 9:54 am I have one atorvastatin tablet each day, and the Pharmacy give me 2 boxes of 14..

But on my monthly prescription it does say 2 boxes.. So I think your friend needs to revisit the doctor and have the prescription changed..
I fail to understand why drug companies package many of their medicines as packs of 28 when we have monthly prescriptions. Don't they realise there are normally 30 or 31 days in a month? :?:
Probably Cyprus isn´t large enough a market so they won´t produce packing sizes specifically for the local needs or habits. And in other countries there may be no monthly prescriptions and a doctor can order as much as they deem fit, be it 10 or 100 doses.
Varky
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by Varky »

JimX wrote: Sun Dec 01, 2019 7:04 am Lloyd ''Only one and a half hours each way, Jim, hardly a life changer.'' It is if you are on your own and not feeling well.
Ask a friend then.
rambo
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by rambo »

mike strand2 wrote: Sat Nov 30, 2019 5:47 pm I fail to understand why drug companies package many of their medicines as packs of 28 when we have monthly prescriptions. Don't they realise there are normally 30 or 31 days in a month? :?:
I raised this with my PD when he issued a 6-month prescription as all of my meds are supplied in packs of 28, he advised that I should simply get my meds approx. every 28 days and in advance of the end of the last 28 day period visit him again to repeat the prescription.

Paul.
Kili01
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Re: Free healthcare comes at a price

Post by Kili01 »

That’s a very unsympathetic answer! There are lots of single people in Paphos and it can be more difficult to find a friend who’s (willing or has the time) to take you,to your appointment or day case surgery, particularly if it involves staying in a hotel over night in the winter.

It’s much easier if one is married with a spouse who can drive you up there.

Dee
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