Nicosia: The Council of Ministers approved the national strategy and the establishment of a national committee on multiple sclerosis on Tuesday. As Minister of Health Neophytos Charalambides stated after the Council of Ministers' meeting, 'this is an extremely important step in the effort to improve care and quality of life for people living with the condition'.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Charalambides noted that in Cyprus 'it is estimated that around 2,700 people are currently living with multiple sclerosis, whilst approximately 109 new cases are recorded each year'. Charalambides said that the strategy is based on four main pillars: the collection and utilisation of data through a national register; prevention, early diagnosis and treatment; rehabilitation and support services; and research and innovation.
He added that the national committee would act as an advisory body and would contribute to the drafting and monitoring of a specific action plan with clear objectives and timelines. 'We are developing a comprehensive, modern and people-centred care framework centred on the real needs of people with multiple sclerosis and aimed at continuously improving their quality of life,' he noted.
Replying to a question on whether State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY) autonomy will be finalised according to the timeline that was set, in four months, he said that 'certainly, this is provided for in the relevant legislation passed by Parliament, which extended the deadline for autonomy until the end of this year; therefore, nothing has changed.'