Members of the Board of Directors of CYCCA (Cyprus Crohn’s and Colitis Association) were received by the Minister of Health on 29 March 2006. The meeting took place in a very positive atmosphere, and the Minister demonstrated considerable understanding of all the issues we raised. Specifically, we received the following commitments from the Minister:
1. Financial Support
We will submit the Association’s audited financial statements, and a small financial grant will be provided to support our activities for the current year.
2. Medications
Regarding the corticosteroid medication Endocort, which was in short supply on the market, representatives of the Pharmaceutical Services who attended the meeting assured us that funding would be allocated to purchase sufficient quantities to meet the needs of our patients.
In addition, with regard to medications containing mesalazine, all available formulations will be stocked in public pharmacies, as it is acknowledged that each of these medications may act on different parts of the digestive system.
3. Staffing of Hospitals with Specialist Physicians
With regard to Nicosia General Hospital, the quality of medical care being provided will be assessed and corrective measures will be taken where necessary.
Furthermore, the physician responsible for Limassol will also provide services to Paphos Hospital.
4. Paediatric Gastroenterologists
The Minister explained that there were no paediatric gastroenterology specialists in Cyprus and therefore such services could not currently be offered locally to young patients.
A paediatrician will be sent abroad for a three-month specialization programme in this field. However, he emphasized that serious cases would continue to be referred overseas for treatment.
5. Purchase of Medical Services
In cases where waiting lists for examinations develop in public hospitals, services will be purchased from the private sector for serious cases requiring urgent attention.
We would also like to inform you that we have become members of the Pancyprian Welfare Council.
