The government has been paying €6,000 a month for the past four years for facilities intended for people with autism which do not yet exist, the House health committee heard on Thursday.
As the proper infrastructure is lacking, individuals with autism have been admitted to Athalassa psychiatric hospital, as there are no alternative facilities.
According to the autism association, the “Bridge” programme – intended to create these facilities – has yet to take effect. Despite this, the government has been covering €6,000 per month for rent and related expenses linked to the programme.
The programme has stalled because a bill and accompanying regulations still need to be submitted to parliament. MPs asked the deputy welfare ministry and health ministry to act immediately.
The association had written to the health ministry in April 2024 stressing the strong need for this programme, as many individuals on the spectrum take medication and this requires proper regulation.
The association also stressed the need for a dedicated facility with specialists trained in autism care, as Athalassa staff lack the specific training to address the challenges faced by people with autism.
So far, two people this year were treated at Athalassa psychiatric hospital as there was no other choice.
“There is a programme ready to be setup, the infrastructure is ready and since 2021 we are waiting for a licence. A significant amount has already been spent on rent, preparing the location without the programme offering any kind of service,” the association said in its letter to the ministry.
Committee chair and Disy MP Efthymios Diplaros criticised the delay, saying that the bill is “gathering dust” at the deputy welfare ministry. “As a result, 18-year-olds are either confined at home or sent to a psychiatric hospital, rather than receiving appropriate treatment,” he added.
Meanwhile, rent continues to be paid for the premises in Limassol, and a programme director is receiving a salary – yet no services are being offered.
The committee has requested that the deputy welfare minister and health minister attend a session on December 5 to provide answers.
