Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great pleasure and excitement that I am with you today to inaugurate on behalf of the state the Geroskipou Mapping Centre.
The establishment and operation of Mammography Centres in the Paphos and Famagusta Districts and the upgrading of the infrastructure of the Centres in the other districts was one of the priorities of the Ministry of Health. This is part of the effort undertaken to ensure that beneficiaries, based on age criteria, have access to quality, specialised, trustworthy and safe services that they deserve.
The mammography centres across the country are also being upgraded with the donation of the latest digital mammography technology by OPAP.
They also provide the possibility of tomosynthesis where necessary, in accordance with the latest European guidelines. OPAP has long supported the health sector, and more specifically the needs of the Mammography Centres, by providing the latest mammography technology. Dimitris Aletraris.
I would like to remind you that breast cancer screening is not covered by the services offered by the GHS, as it is a public health program and therefore offered free of charge by the Ministry of Health. In this context, the Council of Ministers, in a recent decision, approved the extension of the age limit to women from 45 to 74 years of age, instead of 50 to 69, which was previously the case, also based on the latest recommendations of the European Commission.
Let me also take this opportunity to make a brief report on the progress that has recently been achieved in cancer issues in our country, which relate to the following:
- The appointment, with a new composition, of the National Cancer Commission which will constitute the first board of the National Cancer Institute. The Institute will be the scientific body of expertise in the field of cancer and will be responsible for the organisation and coordination of all activities relating to cancer treatment. The study for its establishment has been completed and the necessary procedures are being followed to approve the study and institutionalise its establishment.
- In dealing with cancer, our country applies the guidelines of the European Strategic Plan against Cancer, primarily promoting prevention and early diagnosis programmes. In addition to the upgrading of the breast cancer population programme, the process of operating a colorectal cancer population programme nationwide is being promoted.
- The Ministry of Health has proceeded with the administration of the nine-valent vaccine against HPV to children of any gender.
- The provision of palliative care services has been included in those reimbursed by the OAS under the GHS.
- In addition, steps are being taken to complete the palliative care bill through which the quality of the palliative care services provided will be ensured.
- Finally, as the Ministry of Health we are providing significant grants to Voluntary Organisations to run a number of community-based programmes to actively engage them in the provision of quality community care services.
For this project, of Geroskipou, I would like to make a special mention and express the state's deepest thanks to Mr. Christoforos Neophytou Hadjilabri, donor and benefactor of the Municipality of Geroskipou, on whose land the Geroskipou Health Centre and the Mammography Centre have been built.
Let me also mention the late Mayor of Geroskipou Michael Pavlidis, during whose mayoralty the whole project started and the current Mayor of the Municipality Mr. Kyriakos Hadjivasilis and thank him for the successful completion of the project, in cooperation with the staff of the Ministry of Health and the Civil Engineer of the Municipality of Geroskipou. Special thanks also to the Directorate and Staff of Paphos Public Works and the Electromechanical Service for the effective coordination of the works.
Special thanks also to the Architectural Designer of the Project Mr. Andreas Loizias, who, recognizing the importance of the role of an upgraded Mammography Centre, undertook without extra charge to lead the whole effort to create this special jewel in the service of the women of Paphos.
I am confident that the Geroskipou Mammography Centre will achieve the goals it has set for the prevention and promotion of women's health.
Thank you!
(AF)
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