Address on the panel discussion on health and wellbeing at the Cyprus Diaspora Forum

Distinguished Guests

I am Michael Damianos.

I was appointed Minister of Health of the Republic of Cyprus on the 10th of January 2024.

I was born in Nicosia but spent a significant part of my early life in the UK.

I am a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales and I hold a First Class Honours LLB from the University of Southampton and an LLM from the University of Cambridge.

Before returning to Cyprus to practice law, I worked for international law firms in London, namely Simmons & Simmons and Hogan Lovells.

Before being appointed Minister of Health by President Christodoulides, I managed a law firm holding my own name, which I found in 2010.

I have in the past served as a Municipal Councillor of Strovolos Municipality and have generally played a rather active role in political life in Cyprus.

It is indeed a pleasure to take part in this afternoon’s panel discussion on health and wellbeing. This forum offers a unique opportunity in promoting wellbeing, investment and growth in our beautiful island through harnessing the skills and talents of our Diaspora community.
I would like to thank Mr Paul Lambis who organized this inspiring four-day event covering a wide range of topics including culture, education, finance, tourism, energy, shipping and, most importantly, health.

As a member of the Diaspora, having spent 14 years of my life in the UK, I am extremely proud of its accomplishments, initiatives and achievements. During my presence in the United Kingdom, I experienced the great and selfless love and concern of all of our compatriots for Cyprus and their continuous effort to defend and support our beloved country. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude for your endless contribution to our continuous struggle for the end of occupation of our country.

Dear friends,
Our overarching theme for today is ‘How do we create a Pro-Active Health focused society’. As a recently appointed Minister for Health, I commit myself to taking all necessary action to improve the overall health and well-being of all our citizens. Our aim as Ministry of Health is to promote health and wellbeing for all our citizens through people-centered healthcare. Despite the unprecedented crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic we successfully implemented our National Healthcare System which is now up and running for four years. All diagnostic and therapeutic services provided within the system including measures to protect public health are provided for close to free. The system is being modified and improved continuously to improve our patient experience.

President Christodoulides’ mandate for health is in the process of implementation since we are only now entering into the second year of his term. The Ministry of Health through its National Health Strategy aims to improve the overall health of our country’s population. Among others, our mandate includes the following:
> Establishment of a National Centre of Clinical Excellence and Documentation in order to promote and improve the overall quality of health services provided.
> Capacity planning, introducing a regulatory framework for the monitoring of quality standards in the health sector.
> Hospital subsidy scheme for the purchase of new medical equipment.
> Government sponsorship scheme for accreditation of public and private hospitals.
> Review of the National Strategy for HIV/AIDS Management.

At the same time the legislative framework governing the health sector is being modernised mirroring European and international standards and aiming to upgrade the quality of health services. Furthermore, a national strategy for a healthy lifestyle nutrition and physical activity is being prepared.

In addition to the above:
> National strategies for natural birth and for health in the elderly are in operation as well as an increase in subsidies for assisted birth.
> Strengthening of screening services for Cervical Cytology and Mammography.
> A strategy for Mental Health guided by WHO is also in action.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to reassess existing health systems and formulate an effective, proactive and socially equitable strategy to combat health crises in the future. We need to strengthen our public health systems and augment the capacity to treat more infections. Protecting the physical and mental health of frontline workers should have priority. At times of crisis, it is equally vital to galvanize the trust of the community through engagement and transparency in dissemination of information. The right to health and protection of human rights in providing care should be upheld for one and all.

The age-old wisdom ‘’prevention is better than cure’’ holds immense value in our modern world. By prioritizing prevention, we can mitigate the burden of chronic diseases, improve quality of life and create a healthier society for the future.

Ladies and gentlemen,
I am looking forward to our discussion and I intend to take away with me your innovative ideas on how we can enhance the health of our citizens through networking synergies and collaboration. I can reassure you that my door is open at the Ministry of Health and I welcome and support initiatives which will emerge from this think tank.

Thank you.