Address by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Michael Damianos, on the occasion of the graduation ceremony of the Medical School of the University of Nicosia

I am delighted to celebrate with you today this important milestone, the graduation of the newest cohort of doctors from the University of Nicosia Medical School. As Minister of Health, I am aware of the vital role that our medical professionals play not only in hospital settings, but in the wider health system, in public policy, in research, and in the well-being of our society as a whole. Today, more than ever, we are reminded that healthcare is not merely a profession, but a commitment to the values of excellence, empathy and equity.

For each of you dear graduates, today marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of service to humanity. You have trained and connected across borders, languages, and cultures. This spirit of global solidarity is the essence of healthcare in the 21st century. You enter the medical profession at a time of both extraordinary challenges and extraordinary opportunities. The future of medicine is being shaped by technological advances, global health threats, and evolving models of care and you are now part of that transformation.

Here in Cyprus, our General Healthcare System is modern, people-centred and our people enjoy universal healthcare coverage. Our healthcare system requires dedication, innovation, and leadership of medical professionals like yourselves. We are proud to know that graduates from our universities, many of whom will practice across Europe and the world, will contribute to our goal of promoting health and wellbeing for all people.

On 1st January 2026, Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and we are preparing to elevate our voice and leadership in key areas of European health policy. Among our priorities will be protecting and promoting the health of children and adolescents, health system resilience, cross-border cooperation and digital health interoperability. We hope some of you will be among those shaping those policies, bringing the values of Cyprus to the wider world.

The Ministry of Health is proud to support the academic community in Cyprus. We believe that education and healthcare are inseparable pillars of a resilient and prosperous society. As such, we are committed to strengthening our collaboration with universities, fostering research, and nurturing a health workforce that is both skilled and compassionate. I would like to acknowledge the University of Nicosia for its dedication to academic excellence and innovation in medical education. Your university stands as a beacon of progress both locally and globally. The medical school continues to shape healthcare leaders who are ready to serve in an interconnected and rapidly evolving world.

As I close, let me leave you with one final thought. As you take your next steps, carry with you the knowledge, values, and passion that brought you this far. Congratulations, and all the best for what comes next.

(DK/ΚΑ/MS)

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