Implementing its 2022 decision announced in honour of Women’s Day, OPAP Cyprus is upgrading the island’s five mammography centres, with a contribution of state-of-the-art digital mammography machines.
In a simple ceremony held on June 23, 2023, at the Aglantzia Health Centre, OPAP Cyprus CEO Demitris Aletraris, handed over to Health Minister Popi Kanari, the digital mammograph for the needs of the Centre.
“The Mammography Centres are now a symbol of hope, a promise of better health and proof of our relentless pursuit of medical excellence,” said Minister Kanari, adding that the new equipment will ensure Cyprus women have access to the quality, specialised, trusted and safe services they deserve.
The Minister also mentioned the upgrade of the population-based screening programme for breast cancer, and introduction of screening drives for other cancers, within the European cancer guideline framework.
“Health is the highest form of freedom and our goal is to preserve this freedom for every woman in Cyprus,” said the Health Minister said, lauding the vital support and generosity of OPAP Cyprus Ltd, which not only funded the pioneering mammography system for the Aglantzia Health Centre, but also contributed four other similar systems across the island.
“My sincere thanks, once again, go to the Board of Directors of OPAP, as well as to CEO Demitris Aletraris, for their enduring support. OPAP Cyprus, after all, funded our previous schemes 13 years ago, showing its persistent dedication to the health and wellness of our fellow human beings,” added Minister Kanari.
In his own address, CEO Aletraris pointed out that OPAP Cyprus, having demonstrated that public health is a top priority in its social actions, is a steadfast participant in the state’s health sector plans, this time upgrading the Mammography Centres with the latest in high-tech equipment.
“Our paths cross once again,” Aletraris reminded Minister Kanari, adding that: “each time we meet, whether at the Karaiskakio Foundation, the General State Chemistry Department or, now, at the Ministry of Health, the smile of satisfaction is the same, revealing a genuine desire to give back to the people of Cyprus.”
CEO Aletraris assured that OPAP Cyprus will continue to support the Health Ministry’s plans, and ended by conveying respect for the women fighting to regain health and life itself. He called on all women in Cyprus to make good use of the island’s Mammography Centres, seeking early diagnosis and prevention.
Apart from the Mammography Center of Aglantzia, similar centres in Linopetra, Mackenzie, Famagusta and Paphos also operate, each of which supports the population breast cancer screening programme of the Ministry of Health, as noted by Programme Coordinator, Dora Charalambous, in her introductory address.
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