Address by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Michael Damianos, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, at the 5th Cyprus International Medical Forum 2025

It is both a pleasure and a privilege for me to address you today, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, on the occasion of the 5th Cyprus International Medical Forum 2025 at the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lefkosia. This prestigious forum, organised by Mr Daniel Counio, General Manager of Codavi International, provides a platform for sharing and exchanging ideas on health innovation for the present and future.

This year’s programme provides a wide range of exciting topics for discussion, including future pharmacy and medicine, gynaecology and reproduction, cyber-attacks on healthcare, and aesthetic and anti-ageing medicine.

Cyprus has long stood at the crossroads of civilizations, a meeting point of cultures, ideas, and trade. Today, Cyprus once again takes the centre stage, this time as a hub for medical innovation and policy dialogue. This forum exemplifies the collaborative spirit that has always defined the character of our nation.

This event comes at a pivotal moment when the global health landscape is evolving rapidly. Advances in medical technology, from artificial intelligence to precision medicine, are reshaping how we diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. At the same time, the world faces persistent and emerging challenges from the enduring threat of pandemics to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, from antimicrobial resistance to the growing need for equitable access to care. As policymakers, we must recognise the dual nature of these developments: they bring immense opportunities, but also demand careful, long-term strategies.

I am proud to say that Cyprus ranks highly in healthcare and quality of life. The Ministry of Health has played a pivotal role in the implementation of a robust General Healthcare System (GHS) in 2019 with a strong accessible primary healthcare infrastructure and universal healthcare coverage available to Cypriot, European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and third country nationals with a valid residence permit. Within the GHS, people can choose affordable and effective healthcare providers from both the state and the private sector. People have the right to choose their personal doctor, hospital or any other healthcare provider associated with the system. The healthcare system has a strong network of laboratories, diagnostic centres, and pharmacies. Cyprus has an adequate number of healthcare professionals coming from many specialties to cover its health needs. Measures are underway to increase the number of available nurses on the island.

The State Healthcare Services, called OKYPY, is the biggest healthcare provider in Cyprus, with 9 hospitals and 37 health centres in all cities and districts, the Directorate of Mental Health Services and the Ambulance Services, offering comprehensive health services that cover the full range of needs of the population throughout Cyprus. OKYPY is in the process of implementing a reorganisation plan for administrative and financial autonomy, so that it can better respond to the new competitive environment of the GHS. With continuous investment in infrastructure, human resources, and research, OKYPY is constantly upgraded in order to improve the services it offers.

There are 80 private hospitals facilities located in our country and these include hospitals, clinics, polyclinics, and day-care centres. Five of these hospitals have fully equipped Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E). Eleven private hospitals have intensive care units and most private hospitals have medical diagnostic laboratories and imaging facilities. The majority of private hospitals are registered with the GHS. Applications for the development of further private hospital facilities on the island are being evaluated. Patients attending private hospitals that are not registered with the system either pay their own costs for treatment or take out private health insurance.

Over the past few years, Cyprus has become an attractive destination for students from home and abroad who wish to study medicine and nursing. One state university and two private universities offer places for medical education and welcome thousands of students from all over the world each year. Medical practice in Cyprus dates from the era before Christ. Apollonios of Kition used to be one of the most famous local physicians, and he had a great interest and knowledge in surgery and trauma.

Through the European Recovery and Resilience Plan, reforms and investments are underway which aim to promote the recovery of the Cypriot economy, while addressing structural weaknesses and pursuing major objectives such as the green transition and the digital transformation. Measures under Cyprus’ plan are to be completed in 2026.

Strengthening international collaboration is paramount. Health and disease know no borders, and neither should our responses. Forums like this one are crucial platforms for sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources. The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus is committed to fostering such partnerships, whether through bilateral agreements, regional frameworks, or multilateral initiatives.

Lastly, I would like to thank the organisers for convening this prestigious annual event. It is heartening to see experts, policymakers, and visionaries from many countries sharing commitment and advancing healthcare for the benefit of society. As we engage in discussions and debates over the next two days, let us remember that the ultimate measure of our success lies not in the policies we draft or the technologies we develop, but in the lives we touch and the communities we uplift. Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable world for generations to come.

(DK/NZ/GS)

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