US doctors operating in Cyprus a ‘historical’ development

As the first of three specialised surgical interventions carried out by doctors from Shriners children’s hospitals in the US started at Makarios hospital in Nicosia on Monday, Health Minister Popi Kanari called the developments “historical” for the country.

Operations carried out by doctors from Shriners will henceforth be carried out permanently at the Makarios hospital.

“Specialised operations that were once only possible by travelling to the United States are now taking place right here on our island,” Kanari said.

The inaugural procedure was a neurosurgical intervention on a 13-year-old girl with a severe spinal issue, who was examined in January when a medical team from Shriners visited the island.

Kanari underlined the importance of the developments, adding that they not only honour Cyprus, but also highlight the nation’s high medical standards.

For over four decades, Cyprus had relied on the Shriners Hospitals in the US, where more than 4,000 Cypriot children received surgeries and treatments at no cost.

Annually, a specialised team of doctors has been visiting Cyprus, examining and providing technical assistance to children and their families. During their January 2023 visit, approximately 300 Cypriot children were examined, with expertise provided also to patients from neighbouring countries.

Kanari outlined the plan for future surgical interventions, saying that they will take place twice a year, with the next visit scheduled for 2024. During these visits, children will be assessed to determine if they require surgical procedures in the near future.

Moreover, on Tuesday and Thursday, additional examinations will occur at the George and Thelma Paraskevaides Foundation, with the aim of evaluating other children’s surgical needs.

“Cyprus is making a significant leap towards enhancing the quality of healthcare services,” Kanari said.

“I want to thank the doctors from Shriners, the health ministry, the medical professionals in Cyprus and the George and Thelma Paraskevaides Foundation for their dedication to this collaborative endeavour.

She said Cyprus’ collaboration with Shriners signifies a “groundbreaking moment in the country’s healthcare history”, allowing children to receive specialised surgical care without the need for costly and time-consuming overseas travel.

“It highlights the nation’s growing prominence as a medical destination for paediatric surgery,” Kanari said.