A series of measures to address issues related to the transport and examination of detainees at public hospitals, the management of psychiatric cases, and the operation of the Forensic Medical Service were decided upon at today’s interministerial meeting of the Ministers of Justice and Public Order and Health, Kostas Fytiris and Neophytos Charalambides, in the presence of Legislation Commissioner Sophia Kleopa Hatzikyriakou.
According to an official announcement, among other things, it was decided to establish special arrangements at detention centers to serve detainees, to amend the legislative framework regarding psychiatric cases, strengthening the Forensic Medical Service, and the gradual reopening of morgues outside Nicosia.
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Specifically, regarding the transport of detainees to public hospitals, it was decided to designate special parking spaces for police vehicles transporting them to the Emergency Department, as well as to prioritize their examination.
At the same time, efforts are underway to create appropriately designed detention areas in hospitals, with the aim of reducing delays and the excessive workload on police officers during the process of examining detainees.
With regard to cases falling under the Law on Psychiatric Hospitalization, it was decided to amend the relevant legislative framework to simplify and streamline the procedures for the transfer, pickup, and handover of individuals requiring psychiatric evaluation or hospitalization.
With regard to the Forensic Medical Service, it was decided to increase its staffing and to procure services from external contractors in order to meet current needs.
At the same time, the Forensic Medical Service’s protocol of actions will be updated and modernized and forwarded to the Police, so as to clearly define the procedures to be followed, as well as the circumstances in which the presence or assistance of a medical examiner is required.
During the meeting, instructions were also given regarding the reopening of morgues in other cities, with the aim of reducing the number of cases transported to Nicosia.
The process will begin with the reopening of the Limassol morgue, followed gradually by the reopening of other morgues to handle non-forensic cases. Cases involving legal proceedings will continue to be handled in Nicosia.
The discussion also focused on the delays observed in the investigation of medical malpractice cases, due to difficulties in finding suitable medical professionals to provide specialized scientific assistance.
To address this problem, the Ministry of Health will compile a list of medical professionals from which the Police will be able to select experts based on the specialty and the needs of each case.
Today’s meeting was attended by officials from the Ministries of Justice and Public Order and Health, the OKYPY, as well as representatives of the Police leadership.
It was also agreed that a second interministerial meeting will be held in the near future, during which progress in implementing the decisions taken will be assessed and outstanding issues will be resolved.
Source: KYPE
