Health Minister Dr. Popi Kanari had a meeting with the leadership of the "Baby Miracles" Association.
The meeting focused on issues related to the building upgrade and staffing of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Makareion Hospital (NICU). At the same time, issues concerning the support of parents with newborns in the NICU were discussed, such as, for example, the issue of the duration of maternity leave for mothers who have given birth prematurely.
Opinions were also exchanged on issues concerning prematurity and the efforts made to deal with it and the promotion of natural childbirth.
For her part, the Minister of Health, Dr. Popi Kanari, expressed the state's sincere thanks to the Association for its contribution and for the work it performs, noting that she considers the Association "Baby Miracles" a supporter and partner in the efforts made to upgrade health services in our country.
Regarding the issue of the building upgrade of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Makareio Hospital, Dr. Kanari expressed confidence that the procedures through the OKYPY will move at a fast pace, in order for this extremely important project to begin as soon as possible.
On the issue of the prevention of prematurity, Dr Kanari noted that the Ministry of Health aims to develop a strategy to promote normal childbirth and prevent prematurity. Based on the data of the Health Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Health, she said, the percentage of caesarean sections in Cyprus in 2021 amounted to 58.9% of all births, while the average in the EU does not exceed 30%. She added that we must adopt appropriate practices, based on guidelines and clinical protocols, to promote and support natural childbirth and reduce the number of caesarean sections
Finally, she said that the Ministry of Health will continue its close and highly constructive cooperation with the Association "Babies of Miracles", looking forward to resolving all issues of concern.
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