The Cypriot state has been paying €6,000 monthly for four years to cover rent and other expenses for the “Bridge” Program, intended to establish a care facility for individuals with autism. Yet, the program remains inactive, with autistic individuals still being admitted to Athalassa Psychiatric Hospital. Representatives from the Cyprus Autism Association highlighted these issues to the Parliamentary Health Committee, urgently requesting the program’s licensing.

For the facility to operate, related legislation and regulations must be passed, and committee members urged the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Health to expedite the process.

In a letter to the Minister of Health in April 2024, presented to the Health Committee on Thursday, the Association underscored the critical need for the program’s activation. Many individuals on the autism spectrum currently receive medication that requires careful management, and a specialized facility with trained staff is essential to meet their needs.

They added that Athalassa Psychiatric Hospital is not equipped to handle autistic patients due to the lack of trained personnel in autism care. According to the letter, in 2024 alone, two autistic individuals were admitted to Athalassa, as there were no other alternatives.

“There is a program ready to start, with facilities in place, yet since 2021 we’ve been awaiting licensing, while a significant amount has already been spent on rent, renovations, and preparations—all without delivering any service,” the Association stated in its letter.

Health Committee Chairman and DISY MP Efthymios Diplaros, in statements following the meeting, noted that the bill and regulations for licensing the Autism Association program are stalled within the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare.

“Although the facility in Limassol is rented and part of the funds goes toward the director’s salary, nothing has been done. As a result, 18-year-olds who should be receiving therapeutic care are left isolated at home or admitted to psychiatric hospitals,” Diplaros stated.

Diplaros also announced that the Committee would send a formal letter to both the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Health, urging them to promptly submit the necessary legal framework for licensing the program. He added that the Committee expects both Ministers and relevant officials to address the issue on December 5. “We are giving them until December 5 to tell us what has been happening all these years,” he noted.

On behalf of AKEL, MP Nikos Kettiros expressed frustration over the four-year delay, which has forced some autistic individuals into psychiatric facilities that lack the necessary infrastructure and expertise to provide appropriate care.

“Since 2021, these individuals have waited patiently. They appeal to the Ministry of Health and the Deputy Ministry of Welfare to implement a program for the facility rented four years ago in Pyrgos, Limassol. It remains empty while we pay rent, but the program hasn’t started, with each Ministry blaming the other,” he said.

Kettiros emphasized that the Committee has decided to issue a “strongly-worded” letter to both Ministries, demanding that the Deputy Minister of Welfare and the Minister of Health attend the December 5 meeting at the highest level to explain their actions. “Every time this Association approaches them, they promise the program will begin. Four years have passed,” he concluded.