New medical school facility for university

The government has always recognised and supported the evolution of the University of Cyprus into an ambitious and proactive centre of scientific excellence, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Wednesday after laying the foundation stone for the new Nicos Shacolas School of Medicine and Health Sciences building.

UCy’s new facility is yet another emblematic project, both for the development of the university and for society at large, the president said, adding that the state has helped satisfy public requests by providing over €217 million to fund similar projects.

“It is a conscious choice, as it is fully in line with the goal we set for the establishment of the medical school as a centre of excellence for research, student training, attracting renowned scientists, but also the treatment of patients in Cyprus.”

The president said the government was proud because in just a few years, “the University of Cyprus has successfully become a reference point of education around the world,” with its medical school already ranking among QS World University Rankings’ 650 best worldwide.

He also reaffirmed the government’s determination “to continue to invest in, and strengthen in every way, the operation of all medical schools in our country, focusing on the connection of education with the labour market and employment prospects”.

These prospects are steadily improving, he said, mentioning plans already underway to establish university clinics, which would strengthen research and innovation but also allow UCy graduates to enter the job market.

This change is long overdue as Cyprus is the only country in the EU without a university hospital or clinic, a problem “that has plagued our medical schools for years”, forcing many professors to abandon UCy. “This is unthinkable,” he said.

To this end, Anastasiades said that a bill related to this issue is on the House health committee’s agenda.

“I hope that after years of discussions and disagreements, and recognising the urgent need to establish university clinics, the bill will be voted through, regulating all factors once and for all.”