Nicosia: Cyprus Minister of Health Neophytos Charalambides outlined a health policy framework centered on prevention, as he presented the Ministry's 2025 review and strategic goals for 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, at the core of the Ministry's approach are five key pillars: prevention and public health, legislative reform and transparency, digital health, modern infrastructure, and a strong, sustainable GeSY. Under the slogan 'Prevention: From Choice to Priority,' Charalambides emphasized a shift toward a healthcare model that invests in early detection and quality of life, rather than focusing solely on treatment. 'We are designing policies that invest in health before it is tested,' he said.
Preventive care is being expanded through targeted population screening programmes. Authorities are upgrading breast cancer screening with modern technologies to enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis, while a nationwide colorectal cancer screening programme offering free testing has been launched for the first time. Plans are also underway to introduce new screening initiatives for prostate and cervical cancer, he added.
The Minister highlighted the establishment of a National Cancer Institute of Cyprus as a major institutional reform. The body will coordinate oncology services, oversee the national cancer strategy, develop clinical guidelines, and promote research, data collection, and continuous medical education.
Beyond prevention, Charalambides referred to legislative reforms which aim to address long-standing shortcomings. He said new frameworks are being introduced for both public and private hospitals, alongside stricter licensing and supervision rules for clinics, dental practices, and physiotherapy centers. A food safety authority is also being created to monitor the entire supply chain.
Mental health is another priority area, with the implementation of the National Strategy 2025-2028 focusing on community-based services and suicide prevention, Charalambides said. A new closed psychiatric clinic at Limassol General Hospital is set to begin operations, while the national dementia action plan is being updated, he added.
Charalambides also pointed to the planned establishment of a National Clinical Documentation Center, describing it as the most significant health reform since the introduction of GeSY, as it will strengthen quality assurance and evidence-based care.
Infrastructure investment remains a key component of the strategy, including hospital upgrades, new clinics, and the construction of a new hospital in Polis Chrysochous to improve access to care across regions.
Among additional initiatives, the government is launching Cyprus' first national breast milk bank to support newborns, particularly vulnerable infants. The Minister said efforts are also underway to modernize GeSY, improve workforce planning, and expand digital health tools to meet future demand.
At the European level, Cyprus is stepping up its role in shaping health policy, including proposals for a European Clinical Excellence Center. 'With steady steps and measurable results, we are building a more accessible, reliable, and patient-centered health system, with prevention as our top priority,' Charalambides said.