Cyprus will sign next week memorandums of understanding with Lithuania and Finland with the aim of further strengthening the country’s health sector, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela said on Monday during a press conference on his Ministry’s work during the past 19 months.
The Minister said that, on Wednesday, a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed with Lithuania, on issues of health system governance, digital health, primary health care, empowerment of specialist doctors, and preparedness of the health system for emergency situations.
On Friday, a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed with Finland, on issues of treatment of cancer patients, health system governance, electronic health – digital health.
With regard to the international and European actions of the Ministry of Health, Hadjipantela referred to the cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the establishment of a Country Office in Cyprus.
He also referred to cooperation with Greece, the UK, Israel, Italy, Spain, China and Cuba but also actions and policies implemented during his term.
The outgoing Minister also gave an overview of his Ministry’s actions during the 19 months of his term concerning the national health scheme (Gesy), management of the Covid-19 pandemic, and measures concerning monkeypox.
He noted the establishment of the Long Covid Committee, while he also referred to a “successful management” of Group A Streptococcus cases so far. He said that, the Ministry took preparedness measures with the increase in cases in Europe, and proceeded with the creation of a Surveillance System for Serious Cases of Streptococcal Infection in collaboration with all the hospitals, updating guidelines sent to health professionals, and providing the “strep test” to paediatricians, for early detection of the virus.
Presenting the Gesy in numbers to date, he said that 934,390 beneficiaries are registered, 714 general physicians, 1803 specialist, 1,384 other health professionals, and 661 dentists. In addition, 60 hospitals offer their services within Gesy, 156 laboratories, 83 diagnostic centres, 579 pharmacies, and eight accident and emergency departments.
Source: Cyprus News Agency