Health Minister Popi Kanari has announced the development of a comprehensive national mental health strategy for Cyprus, supported by WHO and regional collaboration, alongside infrastructure upgrades and expanded support for patients, reflecting a commitment to prioritizing mental well-being as a critical aspect of public health. The strategy will be informed by expert advisors from WHO and will align closely with the specific needs and situation of Cyprus.
What is the new initiative announced by Health Minister Popi Kanari for mental health in Cyprus?
Health Minister Popi Kanari has announced the development of a comprehensive national mental health strategy for Cyprus, supported by WHO and regional collaboration, alongside infrastructure upgrades and expanded support for patients, reflecting a commitment to prioritizing mental well-being as a critical aspect of public health.
Government Prioritizes Mental Health
Health Minister Popi Kanari has made a significant announcement that echoes a commitment to the well-being of the nation: the government will unveil a comprehensive national strategy for mental health in the coming year. Addressing the dedicated personnel at the Athalassa psychiatric hospital, Kanari highlighted that while the development of this strategy is bound by “narrow timeframes,” these are nonetheless “feasible” for its formulation and execution. This forward step is not just a promise but a structured approach with a committee in place, inclusive of all relevant stakeholders.
The pursuit of this strategy is a beacon of hope for a sector that has, in Kanari’s words, been “a bit forgotten” in past discourse. It’s a pledge to remember and prioritize the forgotten, to build a future where mental health is no longer sidelined but is recognized as integral to overall health.
International Collaboration Enhances Strategy
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is lending its support to the initiative, ensuring that the strategy developed is informed and robust. Expert advisors from WHO have already surveyed the Cypriot landscape, assessing the resources available and identifying gaps. Their insights will tailor the national strategy to align closely with the specific needs and situation of Cyprus.
Moreover, Greece, having successfully implemented its own national strategy for mental health, stands as both a model and a resource for Cyprus. The Greek government has offered its expertise, signaling a regional solidarity in tackling mental health challenges. This initiative also resonates with a broader European Union directive, as Commissioner Stella Kyriakides encourages all member states to follow suit in devising their own mental health strategies.
Infrastructure and Support: Upgrades Underway
The commitment to mental health is not just strategic but is also seen in tangible infrastructure advancements. Okypy, the state health services, are already in the process of upgrading facilities at Athalassa. By March, the first of the improved wards is expected to be operational, a move that Kanari believes will “substantially upgrade the level of service provided to patients.” Additional phases of development are slated for completion by 2026, with other projects also in progress.
In Limassol, similar improvements are anticipated, as Kanari reassures that significant efforts are being made to enhance the available services in the new year. After a challenging incident of fire damage at Athalassa, restoration work has been swift and effective, with one ward already back in service and another set to resume operation by mid-January.
Expanding Support Beyond Borders
Kanari also touched on the vital issue of supporting patients sent abroad for treatment. Notably, House President Annita Demetriou has advocated for the allocation of €4 million to allow family members to accompany their loved ones during treatment abroad. The Minister considers this support essential and a basic expectation, particularly since it has been historically provided for children. While the upcoming state budget cannot accommodate this funding due to time constraints, there is a commitment to introduce a supplementary budget for this purpose next year.
This holistic approach to mental health – encompassing strategy, infrastructure, and international cooperation – aims to ensure that mental well-being is ingrained in the fabric of public health, reflecting a modern, empathetic, and progressive society.
What is the new initiative announced by Health Minister Popi Kanari for mental health in Cyprus?
Health Minister Popi Kanari has announced the development of a comprehensive national mental health strategy for Cyprus, supported by WHO and regional collaboration, alongside infrastructure upgrades and expanded support for patients, reflecting a commitment to prioritizing mental well-being as a critical aspect of public health.
How will the national mental health strategy for Cyprus be developed?
The national mental health strategy for Cyprus will be informed by expert advisors from WHO and will align closely with the specific needs and situation of Cyprus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is lending its support to the initiative, ensuring that the strategy developed is informed and robust. Greece, having successfully implemented its own national strategy for mental health, stands as both a model and a resource for Cyprus.
What infrastructure upgrades are underway to support mental health in Cyprus?
Okypy, the state health services, are already in the process of upgrading facilities at Athalassa, a psychiatric hospital in Cyprus. The first of the improved wards is expected to be operational by March, with additional phases of development slated for completion by 2026. Similar improvements are also anticipated in Limassol. These infrastructure upgrades aim to substantially upgrade the level of service provided to patients.
How is support being expanded for patients receiving treatment abroad?
House President Annita Demetriou has advocated for the allocation of €4 million to allow family members to accompany their loved ones during treatment abroad. While the upcoming state budget cannot accommodate this funding due to time constraints, there is a commitment to introduce a supplementary budget for this purpose next year. This support is considered essential and a basic expectation, particularly since it has been historically provided for children.
