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Influenza A outbreak is worrying, says Health Minister

25/01/2023 17:17

The Ministry of Health is concerned about the outbreak of Influenza A but we are not panicking, said on Wednesday Minister Michael Hadjipantela, who called on people - especially the elderly - to get vaccinated with the flu vaccine to prevent their possible hospitalisation.

Speaking after a press conference on the launch of the iSAVElives app in Cyprus, Hadjipantela said the flu outbreak is worrying, he noted however that there is no panic.

"At the same time, in recent days there has been a significant decrease in the cases of coronavirus, according to the Ministry of Health's data," he said.

"It is an issue that we are aware of, we are dealing with it, and this gives me the opportunity to urge people to get vaccinated with the flu vaccine so that they do not end up, especially the elderly, in hospitals", he added.

Asked to comment on developments in relation to the new proposal for a collective agreement for workers hired since 2019 on personal contracts, which was presented yesterday by the SHSO to the unions, the Health Minister said he understood the positions of both sides, noting that there is a plan in place in case of an impasse.

"We all need to understand that the SHSO is an independent organisation with its own Board of Directors. We need to let this independent body consult with the unions, see where they end up and if they do not, then with goodwill, we will try to find a solution," he said.

In relation to the new possible case of medical negligence in Limassol, reported by coroner Marios Matsakis, Hadjipantela said he expects the complaint to reach the Ministry of Health, stressing that "if the Ministry has to demonstrate severity, it will."

"We have shown how strict we are in other cases that have emerged. We are waiting to see all the evidence before we take a formal position," he added.

Asked when the Nicosia General Hospital Children's Emergency Department will open its doors, the Health Minister expressed optimism that it will open at the end of January.