By Nicolas Petros Kaparti
The "box" with the problems of liver patients that has been ignored by the Cypriot society for many years is opened by sports activities of awareness and information, carried out by the Association of Liver Patients "Prometheus". The non-existence of hepatology specialists and the absence of a Hepatology Clinic in Cyprus is a big "gap" for the early diagnosis of the disease and proper examination of citizens with liver problems.
What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The HCV virus is transmitted from person to person through blood or less commonly through sexual contact. In fact, most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms and are unaware that they are infected with the virus.
Speaking to the Cyprus
Times[/B] about the events held to raise awareness and inform the public, president of the Association of Liver Patients "Prometheus", Giannoula Koulla, said that "in order to have good health we need to have a proper liver. An important capital for a healthy liver is nutrition and exercise, that's why our Association organizes these sporting events."
Of course, the road for patients with liver problems in Cyprus is not paved with "rose petals". One of the main problems that hepatitis patients have faced for years, which has been resolved, was that of accessibility to medicines.
According to Ms. Kulla, "since hepatitis C is a controlled disease and is communicable, the state has a responsibility to cover drugs, as it does for any communicable disease. Therefore, patients with liver problems now obtain their medicines through the GHS and with these they can be cured."
Asked to comment on whether there have been cases in Cyprus where a patient with hepatitis has not been cured, Ms Koulla replied in the negative and explained that "it is a virus which is eradicated with medicines."
Asked to comment on whether there have been cases in Cyprus where a patient with hepatitis has not been cured, Ms Koulla replied in the negative and explained that "it is a virus which is eradicated with medicines.
They ask for medical accommodation
Beyond that, the problem is that these patients do not have a "medical accommodation" in Cyprus and when they undergo a transplant abroad, when they return to our country, there is no competent clinic where their health condition will be monitored.
"They do not have a special place. Our request is that a Hepatology Clinic be established and patients with liver problems can be referred there. Some patients may have a problem with their liver and may need surgery. Coming to Cyprus, after the transplant, there should be a re-examination of these patients," she explained.
At the same time, Ms Kulla pointed out the absence of specialist hepatologists in Cyprus. This is a persistent problem of these patients which is expected to be resolved soon, since during the march organised last Sunday, in Limassol, by the Association of Liver Patients "Prometheus", the Minister of Health announced his intention to resolve this issue within the next 15 days.
Specifically, Michalis Hadjipandela is expected to make representations for hepatology specialists from abroad to come to Cyprus.
"We are not asking for the sky with the stars, we need at least one specialist hepatology doctor. I wish our GPs who have a special interest in hepatology and see our patients were well, but you realise that these doctors are within the GESY and examine so many other conditions. It is difficult to identify a patient with liver problems," he added.
Asked whether there is a prospect of creating a Hepatology Clinic, Ms Kulla replied that "there has been a partnership with two other Associations, we have put down our demands and the steps to be taken and in the near future we will hold a meeting with the Minister to present our plan and our needs as patients".
"It is understood that it is not easy to do a Clinic but on the other hand such is the nature of the disease that due care must be taken. If anything happens to our liver it is a silent thing and gives us no indication, as with the heart, that we shall realize that there is trouble. Unfortunately the liver can be destroyed and one can notice it when it is too late. It is the so-called silent disease, that is, it is not seen. Unless it is an accidental finding, that is, if someone does some analysis and it is found that he has liver and further investigation is done," she added.
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