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Address
by the Minister of Health Dr Popi Kanari at the 3rd Cyprus Medical
International Forum |
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It is with great pleasure that
I am among you today to address the 3rd Cyprus International
Medical Forum, a meeting that can be a catalyst towards promoting Cyprus as a
Center of Medical and Scientific Excellence. Such meetings and fora, where scientists and other distinguished health professionals can exchange knowledge, improve expertise and build bonds, can create a momentum towards efforts for scientific and medical excellence. This Forum is organized for the
3rd time round and this demonstrates continuity, accountability
but also necessity. Each and every one of the
distinguished speakers, are, experts in their field, with presentations on
infertility, regenerative medicine, pain management but also Cyber awareness
in health and other topics, covering the multi thematic approach of this
forum, thus ensuring the success of this meeting. The topics to be presented,
prove that health care is multi-faceted and specialists must have before them
information that is beyond medical skills, before taking any medical
decisions, always considering in parallel legal and ethical issues. This meeting is expected to
promote investment in the health care and increase Cyprus’ visibility in the
medical market. The geographical position of
Cyprus, being in the far most corner of the Mediterranean Sea at the cross
road of Europe, Asia and Africa, guarantee the easy access to the Country and
the travelling to neighbouring countries. Its natural characteristics can enable
the combination of Health with Vacation. The healthy climate in
combination with available tourism facilities, makes it a destination for
health and vacation. At the same time, Cyprus has
been known as a medical destination since ancient years. Visitors came to
Cyprus to be treated by Cypriot Doctors, such as Apollodoros of Kition,
Synesis the Cypriot and Apollonios of Kition (1st century BC) who was also
known as the Cypriot Hippocrates. Is a country with strong historic relations
in medical science, being turned into a human philosophy. In our days,
Doctors are trained in distinguished Universities and Medical Centres abroad,
as well as in Cyprus, enabling them a high level of education and strong
relationships with health professionals. No one can overlook the fact
that a great number of well recognised health scientists and researchers,
with tremendous contribution in medical sciences, have their roots in Cyprus. All these, along with its
membership in the European Union and the implementation of a General
Healthcare System, makes it a strategically important country but also a
robust medical knowledge and healthcare provision hub. This can provide an
advantage to the EU citizens visiting our beautiful country, with natural
beauties and monuments that I hope you will also have the time to visit. Allow me to make a special
reference on the 4 years implementation of GeSY and underline its benefits.
GeSY is here to promote universal health coverage and address the existing
inequalities of health care coverage amongst the population, while is based
on the principles of Universality, Equality, Solidarity and Free Choice of
healthcare provider. At the same time, this system is enriched by highly
qualified doctors and healthcare professionals, as well as advanced medical
technology and healthcare facilities that classify it into a social
innovation. The Ministry of Health is the
Competent Authority in the area of Health and under this scope it is obliged
to strengthen actions towards quality improvement and patients’ satisfaction.
The structural reforms already implemented, provide this environment that
will allow us to focus on measures towards the establishment of high-level
standards, monitoring mechanisms and promotion of centers of
excellence. Allow me once again to welcome
you in Cyprus and wish you every success during the meetings proceedings,
hoping for tangible results. (DC) |
