European health priorities, strengthening cooperation, and promoting research and innovation were at the center of meetings held in Cyprus, with the participation of Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides and a delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Public Health (SANT), in the context of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
During the meeting at the Ministry of Health, key European priorities were discussed, with an emphasis on strengthening the European Health Union, ensuring citizens’ access to medicines and medical devices, as well as the availability of critical medicines and the resilience of the supply chain, a press release issued here today says.
Issues related to research, biotechnology, rare diseases, patients’ rights, and the sustainability of health systems were also highlighted, along with challenges arising from shortages of healthcare professionals.
Special reference was made to the importance of securing adequate European funding for the health sector in the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034. The Minister of Health presented the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency, stressing the need to strengthen cooperation between European institutions and member states to improve citizens’ health and quality of life and to reinforce the resilience of healthcare systems.
As part of the same mission, the committee delegation, led by its Chair Adam Jarubas, visited the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, where members were briefed on its work and specialized services. Cypriot Members of the European Parliament Giorgos Georgiou, Michalis Hadjipantela, and Geadis Geadi also attended the meeting. This was followed by a presentation on the Institute’s work and strategy by its Chief Executive and Medical Director, Leonidas Phylaktou.
“The visit of the European Parliament’s Health Committee is a special honor for our Institute and recognition of the work carried out in Cyprus in the field of clinical services and biomedical research. Strengthening European cooperation is crucial so that scientific knowledge can be translated into tangible benefits for patients,” Dr. Phylaktou said in a written statement.
Jarubas stated that addressing rare diseases and ensuring patients’ access to innovative therapies are key priorities for the EU.
“The work of the Institute highlights the importance of investing in research and cooperation for a strong European health system,” he said.
During the visit, discussions also focused on challenges related to rare diseases, the importance of early intervention, and the use of scientific research for the benefit of patients, as well as the role of the European Union in supporting Centers of Excellence and strengthening education and innovation.
(Source: CNA)
