Acknowledging the development of the University of Cyprus into an ambitious and bold centre of scientific excellence and a source of intellectual wealth for the country, the government has supported its operation over the time, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Wednesday evening after laying the foundation stone of the new Nicos Shacolas School of Medicine and Health Sciences building.
He said the new building is yet another exemplary project both for the university and society in general.
The government, he said, has provided over 217 million euros to fund similar projects.
This project, he added, fully complies with the aim to establish a Medical School that will serve as a centre of excellence for research, student education and attracting renowned scientists and treating patients.
He welcomed the fact that the Medical School is already successful and has put Cyprus on the international map of medical education.
A confirmation of this is the acknowledgment and certification that the school has received from the World Federation for Medical Education, despite the short time since it started operating.
In addition, according to the QS World University Rankings has placed the University of Cyprus’ Medical School among the best 650 universities worldwide.
“This makes us proud because due to the efforts of the rectorate authorities, the university’s management and high-level staff, in only a few years since it started operating, the school has become a point of educational reference throughout the world,” said Anastasiades and pledged to continue investing in all medical schools on the island.
President Anastasiades criticised the unions for their intervention and demands and having an unacceptable arrogance towards medical staff resulting with many professors of the Medical School leaving the University because they are deprived of university clinics, noting that this is unacceptable.
Cyprus remains the only country in the EU which does not have a university hospital and clinic, the President said and added that relevant legislation is before the House Health Committee and is scheduled for approval, finally regulating the situation.
Concluding, the president congratulated Nicos and Elpida Shacola for their selfless act of offering the Medical School to the University and the country.
Chairman of the University’s Council, Andreas Christofides, said that the Nicos Shacolas School of Medicine and Health Sciences aims to become, through cooperation with international, European and local medical centers, “one of the leading schools of Medicine, with international recognition for teaching, research and academic excellence.”
The University’s Rector, Professor Tasos Christofides, said that the new building, “is another architectural jewel” to be added to the campus, but also another meeting place, which will encourage creation, and a continuous search for knowledge, innovation and research.
On his part, benefactor Nicos Shacolas explained why he chooses to make donations in the sector of health, recalling that his village was hit by a meningitis epidemic when he was a child as well as the fact he overcame a serious illness years later.
“Health is the most precious commodity,” he said.
Source: Cyprus News Agency