The Council of Ministers has approved the appointment of the first Board of Directors of the National Cancer Institute, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides announced on Thursday.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Charalambides described the decision as an important milestone in the launch of a new institution within the health sector.
He said the appointment follows the establishment of the institute and marks the beginning of the practical implementation of its responsibilities.
Focus on a national cancer strategy
According to the minister, the National Cancer Institute represents a significant reform in the way Cyprus organises, coordinates and implements cancer policy.
Its role will include strengthening coordination in:
- Prevention
- Early diagnosis
- Treatment
- Supportive care
- Rehabilitation
- Research
- Data collection and analysis
Charalambides said the institute's work will be centred on a national cancer strategy designed as a continually updated policy tool with clear priorities and objectives.
He identified prevention, early diagnosis, equal access to quality healthcare services, improved patient care, and the use of research and innovation as key priorities.
Board members
Chairman
- Dr Pavlos Dragos, Oncologist
Members
- Dr Elena Panayiotopoulou, Health Ministry representative and Director of Pharmaceutical Services
- Anna Demetriou, Health Ministry representative and Statistics Officer at the Health Monitoring Unit
- Elena Zachariadou, Finance Ministry representative and Senior Administrative Officer
- Dr Pantelis Kountourakis, Oncologist and representative of the Cyprus Medical Association
- Dr Marios Antoniades, Haematologist and representative of the Cyprus Medical Association
- Antonis Tryfonos, representative of the Cyprus Federation of Patient Associations (OSAK)
- Eleni (Lina) Tolma, Associate Professor and representative of the Conference of Rectors
- Professor Constantinos N. Fellas, representative of the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee
Charalambides wished the board success in its work and said he looked forward to close cooperation as the institute begins its operations.
Source: CNA,
