Exactly 25,489 children have been treated at the children’s accident and emergency unit at the Nicosia general hospital since it opened two years ago, Health Minister Michael Damianos said on Tuesday.

Speaking at an event to mark the second anniversary of the unit’s opening, he said it has provided “a beacon of hope and care for thousands of children and their families” in the intervening two years.

He added that “we all wish the number of children being treated at the unit was smaller”, but said he is “proud of the fact that the children’s accident and emergency unit has managed to successfully respond to an admittedly very demanding task by offering care to our children.

“From the 10,620 children who received care during its first year of operation, we reached 14,869 in 2024 – an increase which demonstrates the trust our society shows in the public health system,” he said.

He added that the government’s “main concern” is the “strengthening and continuous upgrading of public health services, especially those which address the most vulnerable members of our society – children”, going on to say that the children’s accident and emergency unit is a “living example of this commitment”.

He then went on to mention the “nine specialised paediatricians” who work at the unit, with another set to join the team next month.

“The doctors have not only scientific training but also maximum dedication to their mission,” he said, before going on to speak about the nurses who work at the unit.

“We could not fail to recognise the contribution of our nurses, who are on the frontline of care every day, as well as the ambulance service which ensures the immediate and safe transport of children to the unit,” he said.

He added that his ministry’s support for the unit “does not stop here”.

“Further investments and improvements are planned, aiming to strengthen services and better serve our young patients … Children’s health is the responsibility of us all. The health ministry remains committed to ensuring quality health services, which will not only offer treatment, but also safety, support and hope,” he said.

He also paid tribute to former health minister and current Disy MEP Michalis Hadjipantela “for the efforts he made in establishing the children’s accident and emergency unit” when he was minister.