Ministry of Health

They risk the lives of children with cancer when doctors warn of the danger!

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They risk the lives of children with cancer when doctors warn of the danger!

Parents of children with haematological and oncological conditions are concerned about the construction works planned at Makareio Hospital. They argue that building near clinics treating immunocompromised patients can be extremely dangerous. The Cyprus Pediatric Society warns of the risks, specifically mentioning the potential increase in hospital fungal infections, such as aspergillosis. Despite opposition from parents and medical professionals, the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) has suggested relocating the Pediatric Oncology Clinic temporarily to another part of the hospital, which is not seen as a suitable solution. The decision to upgrade Makareio Hospital instead of building a new, modern hospital has been made without consulting those directly involved, raising concerns about the safety and health of the children undergoing treatment. The focus should be on prioritizing the health and well-being of these vulnerable patients.

Ministry of Health issues heat warning for hospitals, care homes

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Ministry of Health issues heat warning for hospitals, care homes

The Ministry of Health is warning citizens to take protective measures as temperatures are predicted to soar throughout the week. Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, infants, and chronic patients, should take extra precautions. State hospitals are on alert and prepared to receive any citizens experiencing problems due to the heat, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

5 years on, 60% visit GHS specialists

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5 years on, 60% visit GHS specialists

– The General Health System (GHS) in Cyprus was established five years ago.
– The GHS remains financially viable for the next seven years, with reserves of €590 million.
– The GHS has increased confidence among the public, with 60% of beneficiaries visiting a specialist in the past year.
– The GHS has improved access to health services and quality of life for citizens.
– Plans are underway to reduce waiting times at specialist physicians and publish a strategic plan for 2024-2026.
– The GHS has added four hospitals, two A&E departments, day care centers, at-home palliative care, and additional healthcare professionals and therapies.
– The GHS has imposed fines, carried out investigations, and suspended contracts to ensure oversight and quality of services provided.

Well, you should see, President, how much I’m ashamed

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Well, you should see, President, how much I’m ashamed

President Christodoulides expressed shame over the need for presidential intervention to replace a bed and two toilets at the Troodos Regional Hospital. This highlights the inefficiencies and lack of action in addressing basic needs at the hospital, raising concerns about the state of healthcare in the country.

One Palestinian killed, eight others wounded in an Israeli raid in the West Bank

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One Palestinian killed, eight others wounded in an Israeli raid in the West Bank

A Palestinian militant named Islam Hamaisa was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank. Eight others were wounded and are being treated in stable condition. The Israeli army conducted the raid to eliminate a threat posed by Hamaisa, who was blamed for attacks against Israelis.

Cyprus: 30% of women with breast cancer pause treatment for fertility reasons

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Cyprus: 30% of women with breast cancer pause treatment for fertility reasons

30% of Cypriot women with breast cancer stopped treatment to preserve their fertility, with 73% concerned about the impact on their ability to conceive. Europa Donna Cyprus called for an awareness program to inform cancer patients about fertility preservation options like oocyte or sperm cryopreservation. The cost of these procedures is estimated at €2,000 to €2,500, with discussions on potentially having the state cover these expenses for cancer patients.

‘Lack of planning’ causing medicine shortages

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‘Lack of planning’ causing medicine shortages

Patients are running out of specialized medications due to the state’s lack of planning. The Ministry of Health is scrambling to secure additional funds to cover the needs of patients for the next two weeks. An important medicine for kidney disease sufferers has been in short supply for a month.

Calls for reform after woman dies waiting for ambulance

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Calls for reform after woman dies waiting for ambulance

The Cyprus Patients’ Association has raised concerns about ambulance coverage in remote areas following the death of an elderly woman due to a delay in ambulance arrival. CyFPA President Charalambos Papadopoulos is advocating for legislative changes to improve the ambulance system, proposing the integration of private ambulances and the establishment of an independent National Ambulance Authority. There is a disagreement between the Ministries of Health and Finance regarding the proposed independent authority, which has stalled legislation for over a year. Negotiations are ongoing to resolve the issue.

The ordeal of little Konstantinos in the state of irresponsibility

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The ordeal of little Konstantinos in the state of irresponsibility

Konstantinos-Efraim, a 10-month-old boy in Cyprus, is fighting for his life due to a rare condition called spinal muscular atrophy type 1. Despite his urgent need for a home nurse, the government and authorities have been unresponsive and ineffective for four months. The boy’s father publicly shared their ordeal, highlighting the lack of action and responsibility from the government. The family faces financial struggles and challenges in accessing specialized nursing care. The government’s failure to implement early detection tests for such conditions is also criticized.

Parents fight for SMA baby denied newborn screening and home care

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Parents fight for SMA baby denied newborn screening and home care

The lack of newborn screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Cyprus has resulted in Konstantinos Efraim’s irreversible condition, according to his father Pantelis Costa. Despite eventually receiving treatment, bureaucratic hurdles and delays in care have put Konstantinos at risk, with the family facing financial hardship and relying on friends and relatives for support. The Costas have been pleading for home care and nursing assistance, but have faced alleged mockery from officials. Costa plans to take legal action against the state for the absence of newborn screening and inadequate home care services.