Operation model of National Cancer Institute before Cabinet on Wednesday, Minister says

Minister of Health, Michalis Damianos' proposal for the organisation and operation model of the Cyprus National Cancer Institute will be submitted to the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, 16 April.

The Minister told CNA on Tuesday, 15 April that the submission of the proposal, "paves the way" for the activation of an institution that is expected to change the oncology care map in Cyprus.

In statements to CNA, Damianos referred to a "landmark proposal", noting that it constitutes a "decisive step" for the substantive upgrading of oncology services in Cyprus. The model, which is to be proposed by the Minister of Health, provides for the operation of the Institute as an independent legal entity of private law, with the Ministry of Health as the only shareholder, ensuring the necessary flexibility and efficiency in the exercise of its responsibilities. 

The Minister of Health said that the aim of establishing and activating the Institute is, among other things, to improve coordination between all stakeholders, to create organised structures and guidelines, as well as to support the effective implementation of the National Cancer Strategy. “The need for a central and independent body,” he notes, “that will ensure consistency, continuity and quality in oncology services is imperative and the National Cancer Institute will have precisely this role.”

According to the Minister, the proposal for the establishment of the Institute was based on a comprehensive study, which was commissioned by the Ministry to a specialised consulting company and was drafted under the guidance of the National Cancer Committee, taking into account both the current situation in Cyprus and experiences from other European and international institutes. 

The Minister also noted that the National Cancer Committee, which was appointed by the Council of Ministers, shaped and guided the proposal, based on best practices and standards from abroad.

He explained that the Institute will have an important role in connecting with European and international centres, strengthening cooperation and allowing Cyprus to participate more actively in research actions and fundraising programmes. 

The Minister of Health said that the proposal has already secured the approval of the Ministry of Finance, while a provision of €1.3 million has been included in the Ministry of Health’s budget for 2025. 

It is noted that the preliminary budget for the development of the project amounts to €1.13 million.

(Source: CNA)