health care 69
FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2015
Good health in Cyprus Excellent medical facilities for residents and visitors By Athena Karsera
A
wise woman once said, “Looking after my health today gives me a better hope for tomorrow”. In Cyprus there is plenty of opportunity to do just what author, spiritual teacher, and healer, Anne Wilson-Schaef advises. The countdown to the long-awaited introduction of a National Health Scheme (NHS) and the impact of the economic crisis on ordinary people as well as on the Health Ministry’s budget often catapult health care into the Upon his appointment spotlight - and not always for the right reasons. However, despite this summer, new Health belt-tightening Minister George Pamboridis crisis-prompted and recurring gripes about waitmade restarting NHS talks a ing lists at state hospitals, Cyprus still boasts excellent healthcare. priority It’s more than adequate – catering not only to residents but giving tangible substance to Cyprus’ push to establish itself as a regional medical centre. There are also plenty of options here for those who are in generally good health and want to focus on their overall wellbeing (and even pampering).
The eventual introduction, in stages, of a NHS, is certain to absorb much of the media attention and bring long-awaited changes to local medical services. When appointed this summer, new Health Minister George Pamboridis made restarting NHS talks a priority. At the same time, the long-term campaign to attract medical tourism is continuing, based on a local league of experienced and highly qualified doctors, modern medical centres with ER facilities, cost-effective prices, convenient geographic location and fine weather. Recuperate in the sun Recuperating after surgery on a sandy beach, whilst sipping local drinks and receiving a full-body massage, is an attractive and affordable option in Cyprus. Services range from check-ups to cosmetic surgery, cardiac care, dental procedures and infertility treatment. With the exception of specialised procedures (which are only 5% of all treatments and are extremely rare) almost all medical treatments, including surgery, angioplasty and coronary stenting (primary PCI) can now be done in Cyprus. This means fewer patients now have to go abroad for treatment, while the creation of medical schools has given added momentum to an already well-established health sector. In recent years, Cyprus has also emerged as one of the Mediterranean’s leading spa destinations, thanks to the world-class facilities available at the island’s resorts. Here, pampering has been raised to an art form and spa services and rejuvenating treatments - either as part of a package or a la carte - add a wonderful dimension to any holiday. Current facilities offer spa experience that can last from a few hours at an urban day spa to a few weeks at a health resort, where a whole range of treatment, exercise and special diet are on the menu. Corporate pampering is certainly also an option
for all executives and a relaxing spa gift for an employee or client is a treat that is appreciated all the year round. Wellness holidays can take place at wonderfully preserved historical spaces, or at state-of-the-art wellbeing centres. The spas provide holistic wellness using the broadest range of popular techniques for the mind, body and soul including mineral spas, which make use of the natural qualities of thermal springs with healing properties, as well as hydrotherapy centres where the properties of water are used for therapeutic purposes. The island also offers thalassotherapy centres where use is made of the natural properties of sea water and its products including mud and seaweed.