Activities of CYCCA During the Period 2009–2011
Board of Directors:
Member Update Through Association Newsletter:
As you know, one of the main objectives of our Association is to promote and protect the legitimate interests of our members. Within this framework, our Association requested and held a meeting with the Minister of Health, Mr. Patsalides. Not only did we present the problems faced by our members, but we also submitted well-documented positions and recommendations aimed at improving existing procedures and state services provided to our members.
Specifically, we raised the following issues with the Minister:
Unfortunately, the policy previously followed by the Ministry of Health, which involved sending all patients with inflammatory bowel diseases abroad for surgery, has been arbitrarily changed without the recruitment or specialization of a qualified surgeon. The prevailing view appears to be that these operations fall under the responsibility of general surgeons and can be performed by Cypriot surgeons.
Our position was that we do not accept the notion that a general surgeon can perform these highly specialized procedures with equal success in all cases. These are extremely complex operations that require extensive experience and specialization.
We proposed cooperation with Mr. Paris Tekkis, who specializes in these procedures and is considered one of the leading surgeons in this field.
The Minister responded positively and promised that the issue would be resolved through cooperation between the state and Mr. Tekkis.
The increase in new cases, particularly among children, is truly alarming. Our hospitals, including the private sector, currently have no specialist paediatric gastroenterologists. As a result, families whose children develop the disease face significant difficulties. These cases are inevitably referred to gastroenterologists who often lack the specific expertise required to manage paediatric patients.
As an Association, we recognize the difficulties involved in recruiting paediatric gastroenterologists. The current arrangement between the private sector and Makarios Hospital for endoscopic procedures is positive, but paediatricians at Makarios Hospital also need specialized training so they can monitor and prescribe treatment for children with these conditions.
As an example, we refer to the United Kingdom, where specialized clinics for children exist and patients are monitored by paediatricians specifically trained in these diseases.
We are also working to establish cooperation between Makarios Hospital and a specialist paediatric gastroenterologist who would visit Cyprus once or twice a year to examine children. Our goal is for every child affected by these diseases to be examined by a specialist at least once a year, allowing knowledge transfer to Makarios Hospital paediatricians and eventually enabling them to independently provide care and follow-up services.
Unfortunately, the Ministry of Health’s decision to provide only one of the two medications, Salofalk and Asacol, through public pharmacies has resulted in unequal treatment of patients. Some patients are forced to purchase the medication prescribed by their doctor and rely only on a limited state subsidy.
Contrary to assurances that the two medications have identical effects, the reality is different, and a number of patients have experienced difficulties after changing their treatment.
We proposed that both medications be available through public pharmacies, as their therapeutic effects are not identical. We also suggested that doctors prescribe the appropriate medication and that pharmacies procure the required quantities to meet patients’ needs. The Minister did not object to this proposal, provided that the medical necessity of a specific medication could be scientifically justified by the responsible physician.
As you already know, the situation regarding the staffing of hospitals with specialist physicians is extremely difficult. Strengthening hospitals with additional specialists is, in our view, essential, as is the creation of a dedicated clinic for inflammatory bowel diseases or, at the very least, the establishment of an independent specialist team in Nicosia operating separately from the Internal Medicine Department.
The sole focus of such a team should be the management of these serious conditions, rather than dividing their time between outpatient clinics and other duties. Patients whose condition suddenly deteriorates should have immediate access to their physician or a specialized medical team instead of being referred to the emergency department.
Unfortunately, the situation remains challenging. The main problem is the lack of available gastroenterologists, and when specialists are available, they are often not interested in working in the public sector. The Minister assured us that efforts are being made to strengthen hospital services, but we remain cautious regarding the resolution of this long-standing issue.
We are pleased to inform you that between 26–29 August, the European Federation will organize its first summer camp for young people aged 18–25. The aim of the camp is to provide an opportunity for young people from across Europe to meet and interact in a friendly and supportive environment.
As a member of the European Federation, our Association is entitled to send two participants at the subsidized cost of €115 per person.
Unfortunately, travel expenses to and from the camp in the Netherlands are not included. To ensure fair and equal treatment of all members, participants will be selected based on the order in which applications are received.
In addition, to provide all members with the opportunity to participate, the Association has decided to subsidize each selected participant with €300.
Finally, we would like to invite you to our Association’s annual gathering, which will take place on 29 May 2010 at 17:30 at Chateau Status Café, located at 12 Markou Drakou Street, opposite Ledra Palace.
The purpose of the event is to give members the opportunity to meet one another, exchange views, and discuss the common challenges we face. Refreshments and coffee will be served.
Please confirm your attendance by calling 70008084 no later than 26 May.
