World Health Day

AKEL C.C. Health Affairs Department 

7 April 2024, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

Today, World Health Day, the World Health Organisation conveys the message that health is an inalienable human right with the slogan “My Health, My Right”.

On this occasion, AKEL expresses our thanks and gratitude once again to all health professionals and workers who, with their self-sacrifice and self-denial, under adverse conditions, are providing support to their fellow human beings. We express our support towards the fighters of life who are asserting the right to health on a daily basis.

The current health and socio-economic situation is exacerbating inequalities and forming conditions characterised by socio-economic insecurity. Health Systems absorb not only physical and mental illness, but also social problems. However, for health to be a right and not a privilege, a strong health system and parallel prevention and implementation of social welfare policies are essential.

For AKEL, health is a right and social commodity which every state has an obligation to provide to its own citizens. The way the health sector is handled, but also the quality of the relationship of citizens with it, is an important element in determining the level of social justice and civilization of any given society. Therefore, the effective strengthening of the public health sector through the existence of strong public hospitals is emerging as a necessary precondition for protecting society and ensuring the provision of quality health services at all levels.

We note with concern the deterioration of the public health sector in our country and the long delay being observed in the process of its modernisation. We expect the government to back the

reorganisation and modernisation of public hospitals without any further delay, so that they can function as the main axis around which the National Health Scheme (GESY) will develop.

AKEL has supported with all its forces and will continue to support the GESY, which is undoubtedly changing the situation in the health sector. At the same time, it is imperative that the problems, shortcomings and abuses that are being noted must be tackled immediately and in an effective manner, so that its philosophy, character and architecture is supported.

We will continue to struggle for the further upgrading and strengthening of the health sector in Cyprus. This we believe is the most tangible and meaningful “thank you” that we as a political party can say to the people working in the health sector for their valuable services and our commitment to society.

7.4.2024