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Today I stand before you to close the circle of a remarkable journey. I have been honored to serve in this important portfolio and to work with a dedicated team of professionals. My tenure as Minister of Health has been an experience rich in both challenges and successes. From this position I have worked from day one with zeal and passion with only the common good in mind. That is why today I hand over the keys to this Ministry with pride, knowing that I have given my best, as I have done in every position I have served in my long career.
During my ten months in the Ministry of Health we have achieved a great deal. Out of the 77 actions set out by President Christodoulides in his Governance Programme, we managed to implement 26 actions in their entirety. In addition, another 16 actions out of a total of 77 were implemented at a rate of 75% and 22 actions at a rate of 50%. And all this for a five-year programme.
Therefore, we have implemented a large number of actions in a very short period of time and we have touched on issues that were languishing in the drawers of the Ministry. At the same time, we promoted for implementation other actions that were not in Mr Christodoulides' Governance Programme, such as the promotion of agreements between Cyprus and Greece on transplants, the purchase of medicines and the exchange of expertise on mental health issues. Next month, a major campaign to promote the nursing profession is expected to be launched which will cover many aspects, including scholarships, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Education we will promote the two-year post-secondary education for caregivers.
We have also completed the Strategy, which is expected to be submitted to the Council of Ministers, on the Promotion of Natural Childbirth.
Preparatory work for the launch of the Clinical Documentation Centre has also been completed, with the implementation of protocols and simultaneous preparation of legislation.
At the same time, bills relating to: the provision of Ambulance Services, Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Centres, Palliative Care and the operation of University Clinics, among others, are at an advanced stage of processing.
I note that a great deal has also been done in the field of prevention through new population programmes which will be launched in 2024 and through the upgrading of some existing ones.
All of the above would not have been achieved without the support of my team inside and outside the Ministry, the Departments of the Ministry, the OAS, the OCYP, the medical and academic community and all health professionals, the OASC and other non-profit organizations and organized associations, which voluntarily complement to a large extent the work of the Ministry and to whom I owe heartfelt thanks.
I want to express my deep gratitude to all of the above and especially to my colleagues for their dedication and cooperation during this journey. A journey with the full support of my family, whom I thank with all my heart. A journey with non-negotiable values, none other than the health and well-being of our fellow citizens. Every challenge was met with determination and every success was the result of cooperation and consistent effort.
Dear Mr Damianou,
As you know, you are taking over the reins of a sensitive Ministry since it deals with the most precious commodity, Health. The demands are indeed many and several times the equation to resolve issues related to this sector is not easy.
I express my deep conviction that you will dedicate yourself to continuing the efforts made both by me and by my predecessors to improve the quality of the health services offered.
The GHS is here to stay and will stay.
The GHS is here to stay and will stay. During my tenure, as I mentioned above, we tried to improve the General Health System, focusing on prevention, accessibility and quality of services. Despite the challenges, we managed to achieve some significant improvements. Our General Health System requires continuous strengthening and cooperation of all stakeholders.
Today, as I leave this position, a circle is closing. I assure you, however, that I will continue to cultivate active participation in society for the common good. It is important, moreover, to realize that each term of office, from whatever position we hold, is a moment in time, its value being measured in how we maintain our dignity and ethics and contribute to the common good.
Mr Damianou,
I sincerely wish you every success in the goals you have set.
(DK)
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