Famagusta District authorities are asking the President of the Republic for the transformation of Famagusta General Hospital into a University Hospital of the University of Cyprus.
In a letter sent to the President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, organized groups, Municipalities/Communities and personalities of Famagusta submit a “request for the evolution of Famagusta General Hospital into a University Hospital of the University of Cyprus with the possibility of cooperation with other Medical Schools. A request that connects the need to develop the region and the development of medical science through the creation of the university hospital”.
It is added that “both the free and the occupied area of Famagusta, including the city of Famagusta, as a province in its entirety, it claims a share in the university geography of our country, because university institutions or their branches have been established in all the cities”.
“Therefore, within the framework of the policy for balanced development, Famagusta claims its share in academic development”, it states.
In the letter it is noted that “the combination of building and technological upgrading of the General Hospital Famagusta, but also the related projects and infrastructures that have been created in the area of Famagusta, justify the creation of a university hospital in Famagusta”.
At the same time, the letter continues, “the fact that the cost of living is lower compared to the rest of Cyprus, especially in relation to the amount of rent, will also help those involved, students and workers”.
< p>In Cyprus, the letter continues, “currently three medical schools are operating and the creation of a university hospital of the University of Cyprus is a must for the further upgrading of the medical schools”.
“The university hospital, through the international evaluations that the medical schools will receive, will strengthen the recognition of the medical degree in Cyprus, while this need has already been recognized by the organized state and relevant legislation is in progress”, it is noted.
It is also stated that “the many and various problems that exist to date and cause a delay in the establishment and operation of the university hospital, concern objections of a labor nature only. A situation akin to a hostage situation for medical schools, which has been going on for several years, after the parties involved have had enough time to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.”
Since this has not been accepted, it is added “The General Hospital of Famagusta is offered as the most suitable and quality option. Also, the creation of a university hospital in the area will cover the current gap in the employment of scientists, a fact which is currently causing the area to wither and be abandoned, due to the flight of all those who study”.
Noting that “the region is at a disadvantage compared to the other provinces and unfortunately there is no perspective for the future from the development plans to date” the various agencies of the Famagusta province are asking the President of the Republic to study “the evolution of the Famagusta Hospital into a “University Hospital of Famagusta” of the University of Cyprus” and the possibilities offered through the creation of research activities in the field of medicine”.
They also note that “the available quality infrastructures, the number of patients and the current level of staff of the Famagusta Hospital together with the academic staff of the medical university can contribute catalytically to the development of research activity in Cyprus”.
This letter continues, “expresses in the clearest way the readiness of our local community to welcome the evolution of the Famagusta Hospital, which has supported the place during the difficult period of the pandemic, into a university hospital”.
The letter also adds that the President of the Republic and the Council of Ministers have the authority to decide “the utilization and upgrading of the specific hospital”. “A decision culminating in everyone's efforts to keep the region on a common path with the other provinces and to place medical science and the perspectives it offers at the appropriate level, so that it constitutes a new chapter in the scientific upgrading of the country,” it states.
It is noted that this initiative is supported, among others, by the Diocese of Constantia and Famagusta, Famagusta Parliamentarians, the Union of Occupied Communities of Famagusta, the Municipalities of Famagusta, Paralimni, Deryneia, Ayia Napa and Sotiras, the Community Councils of Avgoros, Achnas, Liopetriou, Frenarous and Agios Georgios Acheritou, the Tourist and Commercial Industrial Society of Famagusta and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Famagusta.
