Government steps up service at rural health centres

HEALTH Minister Dina Akkelidou yesterday announced that the first phase of the new Primary Health Care would soon be under way at rural health centres across the island in order to give better care to patients.

“New temporary staff will be hired to fill positions at health centres including 11 general practitioners, 28 nurses and 13 pharmacists, at a cost of £680,000,” Akkelidou told a news conference yesterday.

She added the Health Ministry wanted to have doctors and pharmacists available at Health Centres, and for someone always to be on duty. Akkelidou said the second phase of the plan was being discussed with the Finance Ministry.

With the first phase of the Primary Health Care, Health Centres in rural areas of Cyprus will be open 24 hours a day and will have doctors on call.

“We will also update their equipment and improve services by planning ahead, depending on when the busiest times are,” said Akkelidou.

She also said there were plans to open Health Centres in Lakatamia and Tseri and to implement preventive medical programmes at schools in association with residents and local authorities.

Akkelidou added there were other elements to the new system of Primary Health Care, such as the re-organisation of health centres as well as new protocols and visits by specialists.

The Health Minister said the state system would not sever ties with the private sector through the new Primary Health Care, but added there was a shortage of private doctors available in rural areas.

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