The Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) will attempt to put the creation of a model Health Centre in the old Limassol Hospital, to be run by CUT and the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY) back on track, in a meeting scheduled for mid-May with the new Minister of Health Popi Kanaris, while there will be a meeting for the issue with OKYPY as well. As the rector Panagiotis Zafiris told in "Entrepreneurial Limassol", the proposal for the model Health Centre was formulated by the School of Health Sciences and the CUT building department, in order to finally overcome the so far seemingly insurmountable lack of progress, in relation to the creation of the 2nd pole of the university.
Significantly, CUT had previously set the goal of offering services to the General Health System (GESY), by means of its Rehabilitation Clinic and a Health Centre that would be created. The Rehabilitation Clinic has equipment that does not exist elsewhere in Cyprus and its only use for patients so far, is in research programs. The idea promoted by the University is to turn the buildings of the old hospital into a hub for health issues that will include the School of Health Sciences with the Nursing and Rehabilitation departments. The main building will be built anew.
The Model Health Centre will provide the public with all the services provided by the old hospital, as well as additional upgraded services. According to Panagiotis Zafiris, details about the use of the Centre have not yet been discussed, but it will certainly include the practice of Nursing students and the involvement of academics in the provision of services. CUT's proposal was put to the former Minister of Health, Michalis Hadjipantelas, who viewed it very positively and promoted the issue. Shortly before the recent change of government, a meeting was held at the presidential office with an Interministerial Committee and representatives of various government departments, to examine how the whole idea could proceed.
As to whether the operation of the Health Centre will provide an impetus for the University to offer programs in other Health sector-related specialities, the rector stated that CUT is already creating a Department of Occupational Therapy, while at the same time it is looking at the field of Public Health and that when they meet the Minister, these issues will also be discussed.
