Despite financial difficulties, we must do everything humanly possible to keep the quality of medical services high, new Health Minister Popi Kanari said on Wednesday, during the handover ceremony which took place at the Ministry.
The new Minister referred to the General Health System (GeSY), noting that it constitutes one of the most important social reforms of the Republic of Cyprus. She added that GeSY’s structure should be supported and protected as well as upgraded aiming to deal with any weaknesses which have been observed.
According to Kanari, “we have challenges to deal with the problems to resolve”, adding that “we must aim to act in a preventive manner in many areas as well as in making the most of innovative treatments.”
“We are taught by our experiences and we turn knowledge and dedication to responsibility and obligation.”
She further expressed the conviction that through good cooperation, mutual appreciation and respect we will be able to implement President Nikos Christodoulides administration programme and she thanked him for the honour to trust her at the helm of such an important Ministry.
On his part, outgoing Minister Michalis Hadjipantela wished her that her journey at the Ministry of Health be ten times as beautiful as his own and placed himself at her disposal.
He referred to the excellent outcomes the Ministry has had, adding that the agreements of international cooperation already signed will remain a legacy.
Speaking about his mandate, Hadjipantela said that “we never denied any citizen medical help and treatment of the highest possible degree,” adding that the right of access to health is an indicator of social sensitivity and responsibility.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Christina Yiannaki spoke of the work achieved under Hadjipantela and the work to be dealt with by the new Minister in a crucial period.
The health sector has open, crucial fronts and the way to handle them will be challenging, she noted.
The pandemic, Yiannaki added, continues to be a visible risk which may record unexpected spikes at any time despite the extremely good outcomes until today. The needs in the sector of health are never ending and resources despite having increased continue to be limited, she pointed out.
SOURCE: CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY