The Cabinet today approved the national strategy and the establishment of a national committee on multiple sclerosis. As Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said in remarks following the Cabinet meeting, “This is an extremely important step in the effort to improve care and quality of life for people living with the disease.”
Specifically, he noted that in Cyprus, “it is estimated that approximately 2,700 people are currently living with multiple sclerosis, while about 109 new cases are recorded each year.”
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Regarding the national strategy, he said it is based on four main pillars: data collection and utilization through a national registry; prevention; early diagnosis and treatment; rehabilitation and support services, as well as research and innovation.
He added that the national committee will serve as an advisory body and will contribute to the development and monitoring of a specific action plan with clear objectives and timelines. “We are developing a comprehensive, modern, and people-centered care framework focused on the real needs of people with multiple sclerosis and aimed at continuously improving their quality of life,” he noted.
OKYPY’s autonomy is proceeding as planned
Regarding whether OKYPY’s autonomy will be completed in four months, he said that “certainly, this is provided for in the relevant legislation passed by the House of Representatives, which has extended the deadline for autonomy until the end of this year, so nothing has changed.”
When asked to comment on the allegations made by Giorgos Pamporidis, he said that “from the very first day these allegations came to light, I have instructed the Commissioner for Private Hospitals—who is the head of medical services at the Ministry of Health—to proceed with a relevant investigation into these matters.” He added that he is also awaiting a report from the State Health Services Organization on how the matters have developed since then, noting that it is expected within the next few days.
When asked about the investigation into two doctors who were issuing medical leave to prison guards at the Central Prisons, Mr. Charalambides said that “when a criminal investigation is underway, what is recommended—and in my view is the right thing to do—is to await the outcome of that investigation,” adding that, depending on the outcome, “we will ensure that all necessary measures are taken so that, should it be determined that any criminal or disciplinary offenses have been committed, those found guilty of such offenses will receive the corresponding penalties.”
Regarding the Cabinet’s announcement on a stipend for nursing students, he stated that applications will open in September of the current academic year, adding that “this will also apply to current students—that is, second-, third-, and fourth-year students, as well as first-year students.”
Source: KYPE
