Filenews 30 December 2020
Article by the Minister of Health Konstantinos Ioannou in the special edition of the Liberal: "The next day – How we proceed"
In last year's liberal version, I noted that the main target of the Ministry of Health for 2020 was the start of the second phase of the General Health System and the completion of its implementation.
However, since the first months of 2020 our priorities have been redefined because of the coronavirus pandemic that has intensified around the globe and continues to afflict millions of people in every corner of the Earth. The Covid pandemic has forced us to resort to drastic measures to protect public health and protect human lives. The memories of the critical moments we experienced remain fresh and will surely accompany us forever. The invisible enemy overthrew our lives, took us away from relatives, friends and loved ones, changed our habits, influenced the way we work, move, behave and think.
Under particularly difficult conditions the Ministry of Health acted in time to guard the health system so as not to collapse as happened in many modern countries with advanced infrastructure, numerous human resources and enviable health services. The dramatic images that showed patients dying helplessly in hospital corridors in the absence of available hospital beds were what we wanted to avoid. We adopted the strategy of isolating each case, tracing and isolating its contacts, carrying out many diagnostic tests and implementing health protocols. Our strategy proved effective and gained credit from abroad. Cyprus passed the first wave of the pandemic with the least possible losses, which we attribute to the catalytic assistance of the citizens to the great mobilization that took place at all levels in front of the Medical Services of the state. Public hospitals and health professionals responded well. The General Health System, and especially the institution of the personal physician, proved to be a valuable tool that helped greatly in the management of the pandemic, while equally helpful were the public health clinics that we created in all cities.
Since the summer, when the de-escalation of the measures was completed, we have prepared for the second wave of the pandemic, which we are currently experiencing. The action plan has been updated on the basis of the new data and is constantly adjusted according to the prevailing conditions. Our strategy remains the same: A large number of diagnostic tests especially in vulnerable groups, for the detection and isolation of cases, the detection of their contacts and measures to stop the spread of the virus. Cyprus continues to pursue a conservative policy, implementing restrictive measures to prevent the numerous gatherings that favour the proliferation of infections. We have also adopted detailed health protocols covering almost all social and professional activities. Unfortunately, there are no ready-made recipes. The unprecedented health crisis often forces us to move in uncharted waters.
A milestone in our battle against Covid is the discovery of the vaccine, in which the entire planet puts its hopes. Cyprus has ordered sufficient quantities in time to cover the entire population and the start of the vaccination programme will mark the beginning of the end of the health crisis. But we are in the middle of the road and this great effort will have to continue for a few more months, when the global alarm will come to an end. It is for this reason that at every opportunity I ask for the understanding of citizens, professionals, workers, entrepreneurs and all our fellow citizens, whom I want to look in the eye with the promise that we are making every effort for the collective good.
In parallel with the pandemic, the Ministry of Health is called upon to manage a number of vital issues, first of all the GHS, which has been embraced since the first day of its implementation and is constantly being upgraded, contradicting those who were rushing to predict its collapse. Despite the adverse conditions caused by the pandemic, the government also proceeded with the implementation of the inpatient phase of the System.
Beneficiaries now have the right to choose the health provider they believe can best meet their needs without the cost suspensive factor. This has inevitably shifted demand from the public to the private sector, a phenomenon that is expected to be balanced.
Despite the problems that normally arise in such a major change, the positives are recorded that the thousands of our fellow citizens have been served under the GHS. The mere fact that operations postponed due to high costs were performed in a hospital and by a doctor who the patient himself chose, at no cost, allows us to hope that if we credit the Health System with the time it takes and if we address its weaknesses, the only winners will be the patients of Cyprus.
The implementation of the GHS also has many other beneficial effects, such as the digitisation of health and e-health. High on our priorities remains the issue of establishing University Clinics to develop cooperation between health professionals and the academic community. The relevant bill has been tabled in the House for further. The next objective is to reorganise the Ministry of Health itself so that it can focus on its supervisory role, with an emphasis on implementing policies that will improve the health quality of specific groups of patients and strengthen the prevention strategy for a range of serious diseases. Happy New Year to all, safe and healthy.
