Filenews 1 January 2026 - by Marilena Panayi
"It would be an exaggeration to claim that within a few days one can gain a complete and in-depth picture of the many, and in some cases particularly complex, issues of the health sector," Health Minister Neophytos Charalambidis told "F" in his first interview after taking office just a few weeks ago.
As he mentioned, as an ordinary citizen he followed the developments in the health sector with "extreme interest and anxiety" and stated that for him "health services acquire real value only when they focus on people".
He described the General Health System as the "greatest achievement of the common man in the field of Health", saying that he is ready to make corrections, where and where he should, since his goal is the "continuous and smooth operation of the System".
At the same time, he admitted the shortage of nurses in Cyprus, saying that he is preparing for the new meeting he will have with the stakeholders in the coming weeks, clarifying that he will not impose solutions but will try to find mutually acceptable arrangements that will solve the problem.
He stated that he is ready to fight for the operation of university beds and expressed optimism that with the help of his colleagues, his Ministry will be able to have the right results during the Cypriot presidency of the EU.
As an ordinary citizen and before taking up your duties at the Ministry of Health, how did you see the health sector?
With great interest and anxiety, like every ordinary citizen who takes for granted that Health is the highest good. For me, the implementation of the GHS was the greatest achievement of the common man in the field of health.
On the basis of this logic, and taking into account the increasing challenges faced by the GHS, my priority since taking up my duties is its smooth and proper operation. My most important concerns lie in staff shortages, the need to further upgrade infrastructure and the rational management of citizens' contributions. I believe that health services only acquire real value when they focus on people, so every political decision must be evaluated through this fundamental light.
Is there anything that worries you more? On this basis, are you determined to study, consult and implement some policies to correct the situation in the health sector?
Clearly. A prerequisite for any substantial intervention is a complete and comprehensive picture of the situation. That is why, from the second day of taking office, I met with OKYPY and received detailed information about the projects that are being implemented or are under planning in public hospitals. I will have meetings with all stakeholders in the coming period.
At the same time, I made on-site visits to Makarios Hospital, the Hospitals of Athalassa, Troodos, Paphos and Limassol, as well as the Health Centers of Agros, Platres, Omodos and Pachna, while I am planning visits to all hospitals that are subject to the GHS.
At the same time, I am planning a meeting with the HIO, with the aim of the progress of actions related to the further development of the GHS information system and the strengthening of the effectiveness of its supervisory mechanisms.
You have already entered the deep end since upon taking office you were called upon to deal with the problem of the shortage of nurses.
Yes, from day one. The issue of the shortage of nurses is real and timeless, and does not only concern Cyprus. I know that the stakeholders have had different views for a long time. My purpose is not to impose solutions, but to work together to achieve a result that will provide real solutions. I study the suggestions that have been submitted, examine good practices from other countries and prepare for a meaningful and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders.
The aim is to find solutions that enhance the smooth operation of hospitals and support both professionals and citizens served by the health system.
Let me also remind you that the Ministry of Health, in the last three years, has implemented specific actions to strengthen the nursing workforce, such as repeated campaigns to attract nursing students, resulting in an increase in the number of nurses by 85%.
When you took office, you prioritized the smooth operation of the GHS. In your opinion, what does "smooth operation of the GHS" mean? Are you ready for changes to some data that are probably causing problems within the System?
Smooth operation of the GHS means rational management of the people's contributions, timely and quality access of citizens to health services and decent working conditions for health professionals.
In this context, I am ready to address any issue that may hinder the functioning of the GHS, with a view to improving the efficiency and accessibility of services. Any revision of regulations will be done with documentation, in cooperation with all stakeholders and with respect for the sustainability of the system.
The goal is clear: To improve the operation where necessary, without jeopardizing the sustainability of the system, enhancing the quality of services, citizens' access and everyone's trust in the GHS.
The establishment of university clinics is a priority
Among other things, the bill that provides for the establishment of university clinics in Cyprus is pending in Parliament. Your predecessor, both before the Parliament and in his public statements, had stressed, in a rather strong style, that the Government's intention is to fight it until the bill is passed into law. Will you continue with this policy?
The establishment of university clinics concerns the country and the future of the health system. This is an issue of strategic importance, as it enhances the quality of care, connects clinical practice with university education and research, and upgrades the health system as a whole, with the final recipient being the patient.
Therefore, the direction already set remains. As the new Minister of Health, I will continue the effort that has begun, so that the bill can proceed through the prescribed institutional procedures. With respect for the role of all those involved and with a sense of responsibility, the aim is to pass it, for the benefit of the public health system and the citizens.
EU Presidency: Health goals and challenges
Cyprus takes over the Presidency of the EU in a few hours. Counting only a few weeks in the Ministry and with the various issues related to Health being pending for a long time, do you feel ready to carry out your role within the framework of the Presidency?
It would be an exaggeration to claim that within a few days one can get a complete and in-depth picture of the many, and in some cases particularly complex, issues of the health sector. It is, however, important to separate internal policy issues in the field of health from the specific and well-defined obligations arising from the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
In this context, the objectives we have set are clear but also very demanding: The promotion of mental health with the participation of all stakeholders - an issue that will be the focus of both the High Level Conference on 26-27 January and the EPSCO Informal Council on 25-26 February - the further promotion of European legislative work on pharmaceutical issues, the launch of the discussion on the creation of a European Centre of Clinical Excellence in the field of medicines, as well as the promotion and promotion of the EU Action Plan for Cardiovascular Health.
I face this challenge with seriousness, confidence and a sense of responsibility. We are working collaboratively with the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, the Secretariat of the Presidency, the highly experienced administrative team of the Ministry of Health and the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU, and I am optimistic that, with systematic work, dedication and determination, we will successfully respond to our duty.
