Hadjipantela: The outbreak of Influenza A is problematic but we are not panicking

The Ministry of Health is concerned about the outbreak of Influenza A, but we are not panicking, said Wednesday the competent Minister, Michalis Hatzipantela, who called on people - and especially the elderly - to be vaccinated with the Influenza vaccine, in order to prevent their eventual hospitalization.

In his statements, after a press conference for the launch of the iSAVElives application in Cyprus, Mr. Hatzipantela said about the outbreak of the flu that they are concerned, however, he noted "there is no panic".

"At the same time, in the last few days there has been a significant reduction in the cases of the coronavirus, since this is what the measurements of the Ministry of Health show," he said.

So, he added, "it is an issue that we are aware of, we are dealing with it, and this moment gives me the opportunity to call on people to be vaccinated with the Flu vaccine so that they do not end up, especially the elderly, in hospitals."

Asked to comment on the developments in relation to the new proposal for concluding a collective agreement for workers hired from 2019 with personal contracts, which was presented yesterday by OKYpY to the trade unions, the Minister of Health said that he understood the positions of both sides, to note that there is a plan in case of deadlock, so that a solution can be provided.

"We must all understand that OKYPY is an independent organization with its own Board of Directors. We have to let this independent body consult with the unions, see where they end up and if they don't end up, then with good will, we will try to find a solution," he said.

In response to a journalist's question, he said "there is a plan, but I hope we don't use it", noting that the OKYpY and the trade unions should be given the opportunity to discuss before his Ministry intervenes.

In relation to the new possible case of medical negligence in Limassol, which is reported by the medical examiner Marios Matsakis, Mr. Chatzipantela said that he expects the complaint to reach the Ministry of Health, stressing that "if the Ministry needs to show rigor, it will show it".

"We have shown how strict we are in other cases that have come to light. We are waiting to see all the evidence before we officially position ourselves," he said specifically.

When asked when the Children's TAEP of the Nicosia General Hospital will open its doors, the Minister of Health expressed optimism that the TAEP will open at the end of January.

However, he did not want to announce a specific date, saying "let us give you a pleasant surprise."

Mr. Hatzipantela reiterated that the goal is for the TAEP Children to start operating at the end of January.

Source: KYPE