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- Ελληνικά
First of all, I would like to thank the President of the Republic for the confidence he has shown in me by entrusting me with such a key ministry. It is a great honour for me and clearly a challenge which I intend to meet to the best of my ability.
At the same time, I feel obliged, publicly, to mention my predecessor and thank her for her contribution over decades in the field of public health, and most recently as political head of the Ministry of Health. We will actively acknowledge her work by implementing what she and her colleagues have been rolling out in recent months. Mrs. Poppy Kanari can be sure that we will continue her work and with the implementation of the Nicos Christodoulides Health Programme, the achievements will also have her stamp, for which we will be grateful to her.
I would also like to thank the Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Christina Giannakis. I am sure that our cooperation will be harmonious and constructive with the welfare of our fellow citizens as our main concern. I assure you that the door of my office will always be open for suggestions, exchange of views and development of mutual support.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am taking on a challenging portfolio at a critical time when many important bills are pending.
The Government's primary concern is universal access to quality health services through the provision of a functional and sustainable health care system. Our aim is to support the architecture of the General Health System while upgrading it, correcting any distortions that may have occurred.
Also, the promotion of a National Health Strategy, the establishment of national disease prevention programmes based on international standards, as well as the more effective management of health crises, are part of Nikos Christodoulides' Governance Programme, for the implementation of which we will work intensively. At the same time, the strengthening of pharmaceutical innovation, the shielding of the Mental Health and Addiction sector, and the efficient operation of the Public Hospitals of the OCYPY are among the pillars aimed at improving the conditions of service delivery.
I want to stress the following. Health is the ultimate human good and we must be its guardians. Fully aware of the tasks entrusted to me, I assure you that I will work with all my strengths with people first and foremost at the centre.
In closing, I would like to state that I am not taking over the Ministry of Health for any other reason than to produce work.
(DK)
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