AKEL meets with the Federation of Patients’ Associations – Discussion focused on the NHS and need to strengthen and support public hospitals

 

7 April 2022, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

An AKEL delegation, led by the General Secretary of the Central Committee of AKEL Stefanos Stefanou, met today with a delegation of the Cyprus Federation of Patients’ Associations, headed by its President Marios Kouloumas.

The meeting took place within the framework of AKEL’s meetings on the occasion of the three years since the introduction of the National Health Scheme (NHS). Within this framework, the General Secretary of AKEL had meetings with the Minister of Health and the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) and will subsequently meet with the State health services OKYPY and other bodies.

The General Secretary of AKEL reiterated the Party’s support for the NHS and at the same time stressed the need to address the problems and shortcomings observed without changing the philosophy and character of the NHS. The NHS must provide equal, universal and quality services to all.

The General Secretary of AKEL referred to the need to strengthen and support public hospitals, which represent the backbone of the NHS, as well as the need for comprehensive planning with quality indicators and standards for the health services provided.

Stefanos Stefanou also referred to the need to establish protocols and ensure equal access of patients to quality health services.

A broad agreement on all the issues discussed was expressed and it was agreed to continue the dialogue that has developed between the Federation of Patient’s Associations and AKEL.

The delegation of AKEL included AKEL MP and member of the Parliamentary Health Affairs Committee Nikos Kettiros.