Nicosia: As part of an agreement with the University Hospital of Tubingen in Germany, a doctor from Cyprus has been in Germany since January 27 to undergo a year-long training in hepatology, Health Minister Michael Damianos announced on Saturday. This initiative is aimed at improving the monitoring of transplant patients in Cyprus, reducing the necessity for them to travel abroad for medical assessments.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Health Ministry is committed to supporting patients with rare diseases by providing essential infrastructure and assistance tailored to their needs. Addressing the annual conference of the Cyprus Alliance for Rare Disorders (CARD), co-organized in Nicosia with the Cyprus Medical Association, Damianos detailed the strategic agreement reached after continuous efforts. This agreement, signed on November 25, 2024, with the University Hospital of Tubingen, is viewed as a significant advancement for healthcare in Cyprus and addresses a longstanding demand from patients dealing with hepatological issues.
The Minister highlighted that one of the two Cypriot doctors involved in the program has already commenced her training, which will conclude in a year. The training is part of a broader effort to enhance the capability of local medical professionals in managing transplant patients.
Damianos also spoke on the purpose of the CARD conference, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the challenges faced by individuals with rare diseases. He pointed out that while rare diseases affect a small segment of the population, their impact on patients and their families can be profound. He stressed the need for continuous support and actions to address the difficulties in diagnosis, limited treatment options, and societal understanding of these conditions.