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It is with great pleasure and emotion that we are here today at Makarios Hospital for the official opening ceremony of the renovated Pediatric Surgery Ward.
Every time I am at Makarios Hospital I realize how important it is for a child to feel that he or she is in a familiar and friendly environment. An environment that meets their requirements and needs, providing them with the necessary strength to face any difficulties and the hope to return to normality.
This project was funded by the Pancyprian Association "Little Volunteers" through its campaign "Beautifying the Love Ward", where money was collected for the renovation of the Children's Surgery Ward.
In the complex and difficult times we live in, we must reposition the principles of solidarity, participation, social intervention and make them a priority. In this struggle there are fortunately our fellow citizens with social sensitivities and a willingness to contribute. Our young fellow citizens who choose not to be apathetic. For this very reason, it is extremely important that we are inaugurating today a project that is the fruit of the volunteerism and initiative of individuals whose humanity is much greater than their size, people who had set themselves the goal of transforming the surgical ward into a place that radiates warmth and love.
On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I would like to thank the Young Volunteers for their initiative, which sends multiple messages to our society. You deserve our sincere congratulations for giving your soul and love to our suffering fellow human being.
Friends,
Makarios Hospital, as we all know, is a centre of reference for both women and children and it is a paramount requirement to provide quality care services to children on the basis of modern international standards.
The Paediatric Surgery Clinic is the only organised tertiary hospital in Cyprus. On an annual basis the Paediatric Surgery ward accommodates approximately 1500 children. With the renovation of the ward we are now able to offer the young patients the best possible conditions for their stay.
However, this is only the beginning, as a number of improvement and development projects have been rolled out for Makarios Hospital, which are expected to start soon. The total value of the projects is estimated at €38,272,310 + VAT.` Among the projects are the design and construction of a First Aid Department and the renovation of the Gynaecology - Obstetrics Clinic. The project will be implemented in phases and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
Equally important is the building upgrade of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Makareio Hospital. I am confident that the procedures through OKYPY will move at a fast pace so that this extremely important project can begin as soon as possible.
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
On the occasion of my presence here, I would like to assure you that for the Ministry of Health, within the framework of the "People" Pillar of the Nicos Christodoulides administration, the absolute priority is not only to defend the philosophy of the General Health System but also to further upgrade the services offered by the public hospitals, which, after all, are the backbone of the General Health System. In this context, we are determined to do our utmost to address any challenges ahead for the benefit of our fellow citizens.
Our hospitals have excellent doctors and nurses, as well as highly qualified paramedical staff, and we must ensure that they work under the best possible conditions and provide our fellow human beings with the required quality services.
The contribution of NGOs, such as "Little Volunteers", comes not only to complement the work of the State, but also to complete the State's share of responsibility. Therefore, the example of the Little Volunteers fills us with optimism, gives us strength and reminds us how right Anne Frank was when she said that "one will never become poor by giving."
Today is a milestone in history and in the contribution of love and humanity. I am confident that the path of community service that our volunteers have blazed will find worthy continuers. The Ministry of Health, remains a helper and supporter in this journey and will continue to support the commendable efforts of all volunteers.
In closing, I would be remiss if I did not congratulate the Executive Director of the State Health Services Agency and its Board of Directors and staff in general, who, in collaboration with the Pancyprian Association "Little Volunteers", successfully completed the renovation of the Pediatric Surgery Ward.
Embracing all the children in the ward today and those who will be here in the future, we wish that this ward together with its staff will offer them hope in their hearts and wide smiles.
(DK)
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