Health Minister meets with volunteer council to discuss dementia care in Cyprus

On Tuesday, Cyprus Health Minister Neofytos Charalampidis met with the Pancyprian Coordinating Council for Volunteering (PCCV) and representatives of various dementia advocacy groups to address the growing needs of patients with dementia. This meeting follows a previous dialogue held on April 4, 2025, involving key organizations such as the Ithaki Association, the Larnaca Alzheimer's Association, and the Liopetri Community Welfare Council.

The advocacy groups presented several critical demands to the Minister, focusing on the lack of clear jurisdictional boundaries between the Ministry of Health and the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare. Key requests included the urgent implementation of a National Strategy for dementia, the establishment of daily care centers in all districts, and the formal inclusion of dementia patients as eligible recipients for state benefits. These measures are seen as vital for improving the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers across the island.

While the meeting provided a platform for these stakeholders to voice their concerns, no immediate policy changes were announced. The participants expect the Ministry to further examine these proposals and provide updates on the proposed national strategy as part of the ongoing dialogue between the government and non-governmental organizations.