Health Minister Stavros Malas has said  that a new pricing policy for medicines,expected to by fully implemented by November, will lead to a significant reduction between 15 and 50 percent.

According to Malas, final decisions will be taken in September. He added that “generally the reduction will be between 10 and 20 percent”.

The minister noted that some time will be given to pharmacists in order to sell the stock they have bought at a higher price.

The cuts, according to Malas, concern the more expensive medicines that cost over 10 euro.

Malas inaugurated Friday a new unit at the casualty department of Nicosia General Hospital where less serious incidents will be handled, aiming at providing quicker assistance to the patients visiting the already congested department.

According to Malas, such incidents make up 20-30 per cent of the total.

Malas also referred to a recent decision taken by the Cabinet to introduce a ten euro fee for those who are treated at the accident and emergency departments of state hospitals. Pensioners and certain other groups will be exempted. Malas noted that state hospitals in Cyprus are under tremendous pressure and that services cannot always be provided free of charge. (CNA)