The Council of Ministers decided today to approve the National Strategy for Blood, with the aim of modernizing blood services in Cyprus, giving the green light for the promotion of a new framework for the organization, management and supervision of the system.
At the same time, the Council of Ministers approved the appointment of the new members of the Board of Directors of the Muscular Dystrophy Research Foundation, which is responsible for directing and controlling the operation of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics.
As far as the National Blood Strategy is concerned, according to the statement of the Minister of Health, Neophytos Charalambidis, its approval marks the promotion of a modern, digitized and resilient system, which will ensure the adequacy, quality and safety of blood and its derivatives, on the basis of European and international standards.
The Strategy includes five main axes, which concern the management of blood stocks and needs, the organization of services, haemovigilance, quality and supervision, as well as innovation and digitalization.
Particular emphasis is placed on strengthening voluntary blood donation, the rational use of blood and ensuring timely and equal access for patients to the necessary services.
In order to monitor the implementation of the Strategy, the establishment of a special Implementation Monitoring Committee is foreseen, which will evaluate the progress of the actions, identify difficulties and contribute to addressing them.
The Committee will include representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Blood Center, the Blood Banks, the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY), the Pancyprian Association of Private Hospitals, the Cyprus Haematology Society and the Cyprus Federation of Patients' Associations.
As the Minister of Health mentioned, the goal is the effective implementation of the planned actions, with the cooperation of all stakeholders.
New Board of Directors at the Muscular Dystrophy Research Foundation
In the meantime, with a second decision, the Council of Ministers approved the appointment of the new members of the Board of Directors of the Research Foundation for Muscular Dystrophy.
The Foundation is responsible for directing and controlling the operation of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, which is active in scientific research and the provision of specialized health services.
In a separate statement, Neophytos Charalambides described the Institute as one of the most important pillars of scientific research and specialized health care in Cyprus, emphasizing the importance of smooth operation and further strengthening of its work.
The minister wished the new members every success in the exercise of their duties, with a view to strengthening scientific research and offering to patients and society.
