Health minister announces progress in hepatology clinic

Good news is expected for the creation of the hepatology clinic with support from UK hospitals, Health Minister Popi Kanari said at an event hosted by the association of liver patients.

Speaking at the event, she said that the ministry is in constant contact with King’s College and Royal Free Hospitals London, who will help with the creation of the clinic in Cyprus.

Kanari reiterated the ministry’s commitment to supporting patients and efforts to alleviate suffering while preventing diseases.

Asked about the recent agreement to create a liver clinic and where the process is at, she said: “We are at a very good stage, and we already have the reports of the two hospitals and we are studying them.”

She added that at the beginning of the new year state health services organisation Okypy will announce two hepatologist positions and the clinic will commence at the Nicosia General Hospital.

Last year, the then Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela signed an MoU in London to expand cooperation on hepatology and establish the clinic.

Meanwhile, during a visit to Makarios Hospital on Saturday, minister Kanari reported an increase in Covid-19 cases in Cyprus.

When asked about the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) warning about various infections and the relevant actions taken by the ministry, Kanari replied that these infections primarily relate to respiratory problems and that as a result hospitals have seen an uptick in patient arrivals.

She also said that there is also an increase in the cases of coronavirus.

The minister advised vulnerable groups, especially the elderly who may have hesitations, to get vaccinated against the virus, highlighting the availability of vaccination centres and mobile units.