It is with great emotion that I attend with you the unveiling of the sculpture dedicated to the action of the late, physician, but above all humanist, Amerikos Argyriou.
Before any other reference, allow me to congratulate the Limassol Municipality for this commendable initiative, as a minimum token of appreciation for the great contribution of this influential personality.
A personality whom Cyprus is proud to include in the ranks of the practitioners of medical science and especially of humanists, and with much more pride for us Limassolians that he was our fellow citizen.
The late Amerikos Argyriou, honouring as a true exponent of the Hippocratic Oath, served with vision and selflessness the science of Paediatrics.
His highest priority was the health of children, seeking to ensure the highest possible scientific support.
In this context and vision, he founded the Center for Preventive Pediatrics, associating its name with the introduction of three related screening programs;
Programs, all of which are concerned with the early diagnosis and prevention of conditions that lead children to mental and physical handicaps.
The contribution of the programmes is recognised and considered important for the identification and treatment of a significant number of cases and thus for ensuring the quality of life of both the children themselves and their families.
What I would also like to highlight is Amerikos Argyriou's conscious choice to link his scientific capacity as a paediatrician with that of an active, humanist, philanthropic citizen.
Amerikos Argyriou was a pioneer in terms of dignified living and deinstitutionalization of people with intellectual disabilities.
His decision to create the "Theotokos" Foundation in 1969, together with other fellow citizens, was a milestone for the country. He was a pioneer even before the state as it should have been. He took the initiative to be able to offer both protection and quality of life to those whose genetic problems conferred the status of handicap.
His decision to create the Theotokos Foundation was a milestone for the country, offering innovative care and employment services to minors and adults with severe disabilities in very difficult times.
Most importantly, however, he pioneered the creation of a mentality of acceptance of these people, while creating conditions for their social integration and inclusion.
At a time when social institutions are being tested, this active activity of Amerikos Argyriou, absolutely interwoven with his love and selfless offer, is recognized as invaluable and a shining example for our fellow human beings.
And it is no coincidence that the State, albeit belatedly, in 2016 honoured him with the medal "Outstanding Contribution", while the following year he was honoured by the European Parliament with the European Citizenship Award.
Two highest distinctions that constitute the minimum duty of honour, appreciation and respect to a man who, when he decided to follow the path of medicine, signed a contract of honour and ethics towards the most precious gift, the life of our fellow human being.
And I will limit myself to what he had mentioned in an interview in 2016, as I think they sum up the nobility of his soul and what a great and special person Amerikos Argyriou was.
He had stated, among other things, that "I embraced human suffering and set up the beacon of social justice to create social responsibility," adding that "people tell me I gave a lot, but I know I got more, because the most moving, the most meaningful thing to a doctor is when a mother conveys to him that her child was saved."
An attitude of life that identifies with the vision and efforts of the State to improve the quality of life of its citizens.
It is for these reasons and in addition to the annual state subsidy they receive for their operation that both the Ministry of Health and the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare have developed a close cooperation with the two organizations created by the late doctor.
It is worth noting that in addition to the existing ones, new synergies and actions are being promoted in order to further exploit and strengthen the programs and services they offer.
Allow me to express the grateful thanks of the State and to congratulate the Presidents, Council members, staff and volunteers who accompany the operation of the two Organizations, for their tireless and selfless action for the continuation and further improvement of the work of Amerikos Argyriou.
Undoubtedly, Amerikos Argyriou left behind a wide range of great scientific work, the value of which becomes more valuable with the passage of time, since it continues and will continue to benefit thousands of our fellow human beings for many years to come.
Therefore, once again, I congratulate those who took the initiative to erect the sculpture, which not only adorns the beloved city of Amerikos Argyriou, but is a beacon and an example for every young scientist and doctor in Cyprus, and for each of us.
(PM/NG)
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