The Council of Ministers on Tuesday approved a series of measures covering public infrastructure, healthcare and public services, including plans for new police and fire service facilities in Larnaca and the adoption of a national strategy for multiple sclerosis.
New police and fire service facilities planned
Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytiris said Cabinet approved the allocation of state-owned land for the construction of a new Larnaca Police Headquarters and a new Larnaca Fire Station, with the government's target being to begin construction during 2027.
According to Fytiris, the current facilities have been operating from their existing locations since the 1950s and no longer meet modern operational requirements.
The new police headquarters will be built near the Larnaca courts to facilitate the transfer of detainees and reduce transportation costs and delays. The new fire station will be located near the Rizoelia junction to improve response times across the district.
Fytiris said similar infrastructure upgrades are planned for the police headquarters in Nicosia and Limassol.
National strategy for multiple sclerosis
Cabinet also approved Cyprus's national strategy for multiple sclerosis and the establishment of a national committee to oversee its implementation.
Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides described the decision as an important step towards improving care and quality of life for people living with the disease.
He said around 2,700 people in Cyprus are currently living with multiple sclerosis, while approximately 109 new cases are recorded annually.
The strategy is built around four pillars:
- Creation and use of a national patient registry
- Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment
- Rehabilitation and support services
- Research and innovation
The national committee will serve as an advisory body and monitor the implementation of a dedicated action plan with specific targets and timelines.
"We are shaping a comprehensive, modern and human-centred care framework focused on the real needs of people with multiple sclerosis and the continuous improvement of their quality of life," Charalambides said.
Other issues
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Charalambides said the autonomy process of the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY) remains on schedule to be completed by the end of 2026, in line with existing legislation.
Fytiris, meanwhile, said efforts against drug trafficking would continue to intensify, describing narcotics as one of the most serious threats facing young people.
Source: CNA
