Thank you very much to the President and the members of the Pancyprian Antianemic League for the invitation to welcome me to your annual General Assembly.
I congratulate your Association and express my appreciation for its long-standing contribution to our fellow citizens with thalassaemia and for the rich work it carries out in all areas of their lives.
As the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, we recognise the right of people with chronic diseases or disabilities to participate actively and meaningfully as equal members of society and to choose the lifestyle that suits them, adapting their daily life to the circumstances of their condition. We also recognise that the correct information of society about thalassaemia and its treatment is essential for understanding and respecting the different needs of sufferers.
We stand by people with thalassaemia and their families and your Association to strengthen and support the rights to equal treatment, anti-discrimination, decent living, support and care, vocational rehabilitation, social inclusion.
In the context of social benefits, we believe that important support is provided by the monthly Transport Allowance for Persons with Thalassaemia, from the Department of Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities, to cover the cost of transport to and from Thalassaemia Centres, and the disability allowance through the Minimum Guaranteed Income legislation of the Welfare Benefits Administration Service.
An important reform was the amendment of the Social Security legislation so that people with thalassaemia can receive their pension rights from the age of 50, instead of from the age of 65, due to their proven lower life expectancy, enjoying an improved quality of life.
In the field of vocational rehabilitation, the Department of Labour's incentive schemes for employers to recruit chronically ill or disabled persons, co-financed by the European Social Fund, as well as the implementation of the Recruitment of Persons with Disabilities in the Wider Public Sector Act or the Department of Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities' Scheme for the Creation of Small Self-Employment Units, contribute significantly by providing employment opportunities.
We support and encourage voluntary initiative and the work of voluntary organisations that complement the role of the state, with the common vision of ensuring the dignity and quality of life of all citizens.
I would like to thank the Pancyprian Anti-Anemia Association for the excellent cooperation with the Ministry and its Departments and I look forward to the continuation of this cooperation with the aim of empowering people with thalassaemia, so that they continue to be active and equal members of our society.
I wish every success to your assembly and your work.
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Note: The Director of the Department of Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Christina Flourentzou, read the greeting on behalf of the Minister of Transport.
(EK/ΣX)
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