National Strategy for Mental Health Takes Center Stage
In a significant announcement at the Cyprus Healthcare Conference, Health Minister Michael Damianos emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to mental health. Damianos revealed that nearly 17.2 percent of Cyprus’s population has encountered mental health issues, highlighting the urgency for a comprehensive approach to this growing concern.
The ministry has been proactive in addressing this challenge, developing a national strategy focused on the “destigmatisation, prevention, treatment, and reintegration” of individuals grappling with mental health conditions. This strategy is not only about planning but also about educating the public and fostering awareness. New initiatives are on the horizon to provide enhanced care for those affected by mental health issues.
Initiated by Damianos’ predecessor, Popi Kanari, the strategy’s formulation was considered ambitious due to tight deadlines. However, these have been deemed achievable. A committee involving key stakeholders has been established to ensure the strategy bolsters a sector that has historically been overlooked.
Beyond mental health, Damianos lauded the General Healthcare System (Gesy), marking it as a landmark reform in Cyprus. As Gesy approaches its five-year milestone, its success is evident with over 99 percent of Cypriots now having access to healthcare services, as per European Commission reports. Service availability has seen an uptick while wait times have been reduced, indicating a positive trajectory for the healthcare sector.
Damianos underscored that health is a social good and a state responsibility. The ministry’s health policy aims to safeguard this right for all citizens, ensuring high health standards amidst rapid technological advancements and the demands of an ageing population. These factors are reshaping the healthcare sector, presenting both opportunities and challenges that the government is determined to meet head-on.
