Efforts underway to create deadly diseases unit

Efforts are underway to inaugurate a unit dedicated to combating deadly diseases as there are fears that the healthcare system is not yet prepared for to handle the outbreak of such a rare event.

Okypy spokesman Charalambos Charilaou confirmed on Friday that Nicosia general hospital is drawing up plans for a unit capable of treating 20 patients, designed to care people potentially infected with particularly deadly diseases, something like Ebola or anthrax.

Charilaou said that a single case could lead to a healthcare crisis and as such Nicosia general hospital must be adequately prepared.

He further stated that the proposed unit will handle the initial phases of infection, while tools will be made available to upgrade the care on offer should the situation deteriorate.

The unit could potentially be used for less severe diseases, aside from infections like Sars and Mers, such as treating potential influenza A patients.

The unit is to be situated near the A&E department but will have its own entrance and elevator, along with an underground facility.

It was reported that Okypy is in the process of inviting tenders for the project, while plans are also underway to set up similar units in the rest of the districts – barring Famagusta which already has such a facility.