medicine safety — Health Minister Michael Damianos emphasised the importance of medicine safety reporting during his visit to the pharmaceutical services for #MedSafetyWeek. The campaign encourages patients and health professionals to report suspected side effects of medications through the national yellow card system.
In a statement, the health ministry highlighted that this initiative aims to raise awareness about pharmacovigilance, which is crucial for monitoring the safety of medicines and fostering public confidence in the healthcare system.
Medicine safety: Promoting Safe Practices in Medicine Use
During his visit, Minister Damianos was briefed on ongoing projects and engaged in discussions with the management of the pharmaceutical services. The director, Elena Panayiotopoulou, explained that Cyprus is preparing to take an active role during its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026. This includes leading several working groups and technical committees in Brussels and hosting significant meetings in Cyprus.
Strengthening Cyprus’s Role in Pharmaceutical Regulation
Panayiotopoulou outlined that Cyprus is expected to spearhead discussions on critical legislative packages related to pharmaceutical regulation. Minister Damianos described the pharmaceutical services as an essential component of the health ministry, noting their responsibilities include evaluating the quality, safety, and effectiveness of medicines for human use. Additionally, they ensure the safety of cosmetic products and conduct inspections across the pharmaceutical sector.
International Recognition and Achievements
The minister highlighted that the department has achieved high scores in international assessments, establishing Cyprus as a credible choice for the production and trade of pharmaceutical products. These accomplishments, he remarked, position Cyprus as an equal partner among larger EU member states in pharmaceutical policy discussions.
Participation in European and Global Committees
Panayiotopoulou also noted that the pharmaceutical services actively engage in various European and international committees and working groups. Their involvement extends to prominent organisations such as the European Medicines Agency, the European Commission, the Council of Europe, and the World Health Organisation.
