The new Minister of Health, Michalis Damianos, reassured on Wednesday that he will work with all his might, placing individuals first and foremost, as he took over the Ministry of Health from his predecessor, Dr. Popi Kanari.
During his speech at the handover ceremony, Damianos emphasized that “the uninterrupted provision of quality healthcare services to all beneficiaries of the system is non-negotiable,” noting that “health is the ultimate good for humans, and we must be its guardians.”
“The government’s top priority is universal access to quality healthcare services, providing a functional and sustainable healthcare system. Our goal is to support the architecture of the General Health System (GHS) while simultaneously upgrading it, correcting any distortions that may have occurred,” said the new Minister.
Furthermore, he said that the promotion of the National Health Strategy, the establishment of national disease prevention programmes based on international standards, as well as more effective managem
ent of health crises, are part of the Governance Programme of Nikos Christodoulides and ‘we will work intensively for its implementation’.
Outgoing Minister of Health, Dr. Popi Kanari, stated in turn that she had the honour to serve in this important portfolio and work with a dedicated team of professionals.
“My tenure as Minister of Health was an experience rich in challenges but also successes. From this position, I worked diligently and passionately from day one, keeping only the common good in mind. That’s why today I hand over the keys to this Ministry with pride, knowing that I gave my all, as I did in every position I served in my long journey,” she stated.
Referring to her ten months in the Ministry of Health, she said that they have managed to achieve a lot. Specifically, they successfully implemented 26 out of the 77 actions set by President Christodoulides in his Governance Programme. Additionally, she stated that another 16 actions, out of the total 77, were implemented at a rate of 75%, and 22
actions at a rate of 50%.
Source: Cyprus News Agency