Rotarian Event with Guest speaker Dr Popi Kanari, Minister of Health (MoH)
“Healthcare in Cyprus: State of affairs and prospects”
The Rotary clubs of Nicosia namely, RC Nicosia Lefkothea, RC Kyrenia, RC Nicosia, RC Aspelia, RC Nicosia Salamis, RC Ledra invited the Minister of Health Dr Popi Kanari to be their guest speaker at a joint dinner event they organised at the Cleopatra Hotel on the 5th December 2023.
Introducing the Minister, Assistant Governor Demetris Pantazis highlighted her highly respected professional background but also her service to humanity through the Karaiskakio Foundation and pivotal contribution to many Rotarian projects as a Past President of RC Nicosia Lefkothea and long serving member of Rotary.
The M of H presented her assessment of the current situation of Healthcare in Cyprus analysing the strengths and challenges that exist highlighting a credible comparison of indices that suggested that on average Cypriots compare favourably with their European fellow citizens, nevertheless there are still significant improvements required which are being addressed.
She went on to elaborate the actions taken to redefine the role of her Ministry away from providing elements of the healthcare service, inter alia, to one of defining and implementing strategic healthcare goals, setting healthcare national policies and quality criteria and professional KPIs for healthcare providers. She also expressed her full support to the General Health System (GHS) and its revolutionary effect on Healthcare in Cyprus but also the need for its sustainability and financial viability.
Referring to additional current developments she described the introduction of technology that will provide electronic records of patients, giving them easy access, better control, and accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection. Such a development will also enable referral of difficult cases to specialists outside Cyprus.
The Minister also referred to the steps that are being taken to implement the European programme of Capacity Planning which will enhance the ability of her Ministry to ensure the efficient and uninterrupted provision of quality healthcare services to all.
The Minister responded to the many questions of the audience with sincerity and clarity.
The event was a remarkable success that was attended by more than 100 Rotarians and friends.
A commemorate plaque was given to the Minister to commemorate the occasion.
Past District Governor Kevork Mahdessian closed the meeting congratulating the Guest Speaker and expressed his appreciation for the huge attendance.
More on Rotary
Rotary is a global network of volunteer leaders who are committed to addressing the most pressing challenges facing humanity. Rotary connects 1.4 million members from more than 46,000 Rotary Clubs in more than 200 countries and geographic areas. Their work improves people’s lives both locally and internationally by helping those in need and furthering the effort for a polio-free world. For more information, visit www.rotary.org.
Since World War II, The Rotary Foundation has funded projects around the world, offering more than four billion dollars, while providing approximately 47 million hours of volunteer service each year for the greater good of humanity.
Rotary in Cyprus
Locally, the Cyprus Rotary is one of the few organizations that operate beyond the dividing line of our country since Rotarians from all communities of Cyprus work together harmoniously and with pride to serve humanity.
The Rotary Clubs (RCs) of Cyprus have played for years a decisive role in the implementation of many projects to meet the needs of all communities.
The grandest and most emblematic project of the RCs is the recent purchase of equipment for the Children’s Cancer Diagnostic Centre at the Karaiskakio Foundation. The $400,000 state-of-the-art lab determines the type of cancer in children and young adults and recommends a treatment that minimizes collateral damage from cancer treatment.
RC Nicosia Lefkothea Panel discussion on “School Bullying: The Role of the Society and Education in Cyprus nowadays”
Under the auspices and participation of Mrs. Annita Demetriou President of the house of Representative, The Rotary Club of Nicosia Lefkothea organized a Panel discussion on “School Bullying: The Role of the Society and Education in Cyprus nowadays”. The event was held at the Strovolos Cultural Center and the attendance exceeded 100 persons. The guest speakers: Mrs. Annita Demetriou, Dr Katerina Gregoriou, Dr Nikola Yiasoumis, Rotarian Dr Elina Pettemerides, Rotarian Panayiota Georgiou and Mr. Markos Clerides, all shared their experiences and insights on how we can tackle this important issue and create a safe and inclusive learning environment for our children. The purpose of the discussion was not only to raise awareness but also to provide practical solutions to the problem. The discussion was followed by a Q&A session. The event was also covered by Medial coverage (please refer to page #). A special thank you to the following Rotarians who organized the event, Elina Pettemerides, Panayiota Georgiou, Anastasia Orphanou and Tania Eojourian and to Makkas Winery.
Business Meeting with guest speaker Mrs. Elena Hadjikyriacou
In line with the October monthly theme “ Economic & Community Development”, the Rotary Clubs of Nicosia Lefkothea welcomed Mrs. Elena Hadjikyriacou Business Consulting Director at Ernst & Young Cyprus. The title and subject of Mrs. Hadjikyriacou was “The ABCs of Blockchain and Digital Currencies”, a very hot and important topic in the current economic and financial environment. The presentation was based on the experience, research and studies of Mrs. Hadjikyriacou who delivered it with clarity and examples. The attendance was impressive and included many members from fellow Rotary Clubs in Cyprus of whom DDG Tastan Altuner, P Kypros Zantis from RC Kyrenia and P Olgun from RC Kyrenia Cosmopolitan and their Club members who honored us with their presence . The Club presented a certificate of appreciation to Mrs. Hadjikyriacou in recognition for sharing her valuable knowledge on the subject.
Business Meeting with guest speaker Mr. Christos Iacovou
Taking into consideration the unfortunate events in the regions and its possible repercussion on various countries and corresponding political, social and economic situation, the Rotary Club of Nicosia Lefkothea jointly with the Rotary Club of Kyrenia, invited guest speaker Mr. Christos Iacovou to talk about ”The Palestinian Question, Past, Present and Future”. The event was a dinner meeting that was attended by around 35 Rotarians and Guests. The presentation was followed by a Q&A session.
RC Nicosia Lefkothea End Polio Now Awareness Campaigns RC Nicosia Lefkothea End Polio Now Awareness Campaign Billboard
The Rotary “End Polio Now” campaign is an international initiative undertaken by Rotary to eradicate the polio virus from the world. Rotary International, along with the World Health Organization, CDC, UNICEF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have made significant progress towards this goal, reducing the number of cases from 350,000 in 1988 to only 15 in 2023. The campaign aims to vaccinate every child in the world against polio, and eradicate this debilitating disease once and for all. This effort requires the support of governments, health organizations, and individuals around the world to achieve this goal and create a polio-free world. On the occasion of the Polio Day that took place on October 24th and the Rotary “End Polio Now” awareness campaign, the Rotary Club of Nicosia Lefkothea worked on an awareness billboard. The big sized billboard (height 3m x width 3.8m) that includes our club’s Rotary logo was on display from October 7th till Nov 3rd to guarantee maximum awareness about Polio and Rotary. The billboard was located on a prime location in Nicosia (Av Ifigenias / Armenia Street traffic light). Members of the Rotary Club of Nicosia Lefkothea took a group picture next to the Billboard on October 24th holding End Polio Now signs. A special thanks to Rotarian Panayiota Georgiou who thanks to her efforts managed to provide the billboard free of charge and to TRF committee chair Iacovos for the guidance to design the billboard
RC Nicosia Lefkothea and APOEL Football Club End Polio Now Awareness Campaign
The Rotary Club of Nicosia Lefkothea and the APOEL FC joined forced on World Polio Day. During the Cyprus CUP match between APOEL FC and PEYIA 2014, both football teams and referees entered the football stadium wearing Rotary and END POLIO NOW T-Shirts. This event was covered by numerous Media channels including national TV and cable TV coverage and the sports teams’ websites. A big thank you to IPP Yiannis Tomasides who thanks to his efforts requested and received all approvals to achieve this successful event.
Sponsorship of the “Love Melodies” Charity Concert The Rotary Club of Nicosia-Lefkothea sponsored and supported a Charity Concert entitled “Love Melodies” which took place on October 14, 2023 at the Municipal Theater of Nicosia. The 15-year-old tenor Ioannis Livanos is the initiator of this Concert, which he lead. The net proceeds of the event were donated to “Little Heroes”, which aims to provide financial support to families of children with cancer and leukemia at the Paediatric Oncology Unit of Makarios Children’s Hospital. Ioannis Livanos is only 15 years old and is a tenor. From an early age, his musical talent became apparent and from then on he began vocal, piano and theory lessons at the Pancyprian Conservatory of Nicosia where he continues to study to this day. He has taken part in many music competitions both in Cyprus and abroad where he won first prizes. He has sung at many charity events in Cyprus and has taken part in theatrical performances in leading roles in operas. |