Public hospitals, the public health system and health workers need practical and substantial support

Statement by the General Secretary of AKEL A.Kyprianou

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 30 Mar 2020, Nicosia

For the effort of almost all of society is making with regards containing the spread of coronavirus to yield results, the government as well must at the same time fulfill its own heavy responsibility which is none other than the immediate strengthening of public hospitals and the public health system as a whole. This is the big challenge we have as a state in confronting the pandemic.

We consider as positive the fact that measures have been taken which AKEL had proposed from the outset, such as the cooperation of private hospitals and mobilisation of general practitioners. However, we need much more measures. More drastic and more decisive steps must be taken immediately. It is now being said that the 100 million euros announced by the government to strengthen the health system will be used if needed. But when will they be needed if not now in the face of an unprecedented pandemic that has severely affected our hospitals? These resources must be channeled now and immediately so that the required recruitment of medical and nursing staff is made and for health professionals to have the necessary equipment and supplies to protect them in carrying out their duties. It is, to say the least, unfortunate that during these moments the Minister of Health is claiming that health professionals are abusing their protective equipment.

Today, even those who in the past were previously criticising the public health system and public hospital professionals and workers acknowledge their irreplaceable role, contribution and self-sacrifice. But beyond the self-evident recognition of this service, they need practical and substantial support.