It is with great pleasure that we are laying the foundation stone of another project that adds to our efforts to promote the sensitive health sector, aiming to provide a high, qualitative and efficient level of healthcare services to the wider society.
Recognizing the difficulties and problems faced daily by both patients with mental health problems and staff, as a result of the operation of a single psychiatric centre in our country, we set ourselves the goal of finally resolving this long-standing issue.
In this context, we have made the creation of a new centre, which will base its operation on the principles of modern psychiatric hospitalisation and full respect for the dignity and rights of people with mental health problems, a top priority.
The New Mental Health Centre, at a total cost of 33 million 200 thousand euros, includes well-equipped building facilities that allow for the provision of high quality treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration services for the persons concerned.
The first phase, which we are currently laying the foundations for, with a total budget of more than 12 million euros, includes the construction of.
- A Treatment Unit for Dependent Persons, including Outpatient Clinics, with a capacity of 20 beds, through which alcohol and other substances rehabilitation services will be provided.
Considering that planning has already started for the second phase of the project, which will increase the capacity and the ability to serve more beneficiaries, the new centre is expected to upgrade the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of the care offered
While at the same time, by providing the necessary, as well as the intended goal, it will upgrade the working environment of dozens of mental health workers.
What I want to stress is that, in addition to the work we are establishing today, seeking to strengthen the quality of mental health services, we have also implemented a series of other actions.
- The upgrading of the Men's Acute Case Clinic, the Men's Intermediate Closed Clinic and the Occupational Therapy Department at the Athalassa Hospital, at a total cost of 1 million 350 thousand euros.
- The building reconstruction of a structure in the community that will serve as a sheltered hostel for the accommodation of chronic patients, who currently remain at the Athalassa Hospital. With the operation of the hostel, the Athalassa Hospital will be decongested.
- The operation of the Secure Hospitalization Unit at the psychiatric clinic in Limassol for mentally ill patients, with a capacity of eight beds.
- The redevelopment of rented space for the creation of a Neurodevelopmental Disorders Centre in Nicosia.
- The development of centres of excellence for specialised services, such as the Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders Centre at Makarios Hospital.
The above is part of the broader policy we have adopted aimed at providing citizens with access to quality health services.
It is enough to note that, in addition to the reform of the GESY, the budget of the Ministry of Health has increased by 79% compared to the last decade.
In this context, the OAS spending on care services for the beneficiaries of the GHS is expected to reach 1.35 billion euros in 2022, and is estimated to reach 7.3 billion euros between 2023 and 2027.
In addition to this, we have implemented and are implementing development projects amounting to 351 million euros that not only contribute to the improvement of the care services provided, but meet long-standing demands and constitute key infrastructures for the functioning of the health system we enjoy today.
At the same time, it is worth noting that, in the context of the particular emphasis placed on the logistical infrastructure supporting public hospitals, during the period 2013-2021, investments in medical equipment exceeded 90 million euros.
While in the current year another 24 million euros are expected to be spent on medical equipment.
Most importantly, in addition to what is foreseen in the annual budgets in the Plan "Cyprus - Tomorrow", significant provisions have been included for the health sector for additional expenditure of more than 80 million euros.
Provisions that include reforms and developmental investments that will further contribute to increasing the readiness, resilience and quality of services of the General Health System more broadly.
In conclusion, I would like to stress my particular satisfaction, because it is now on track to be implemented and a long-standing need of patients and mental health professionals is being met.
I would like to thank all the Ministers responsible, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Labour, all those involved in the State Health Services, the President and members of the OCYPY, the OAI, where they have a consultative role, as well as all the stakeholders who have cooperated in the implementation of this important project.
I want to express my confidence that the contractor, known for his consistency and punctuality, will also successfully complete this project as soon as possible.
I invite you to work with the same dedication so that the project is completed as agreed.
I hope that the continuation of these efforts will find and will find favour with those who will succeed me.
(PM/NG/EXP)
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