Health ministry permanent secretary Christina Yiannaki bid farewell to her colleagues on Monday, her last day of work before retirement.

On Monday, Yiannaki spoke to the health ministry leadership and staff, referring to various events that had marked her career and her involvement in efforts to solve differences arising at times between the health ministry, Okypy and trade unions.

Yiannaki also referred to her work managing the programme for sending patients abroad form her position as permanent secretary.

The health insurance organisation had come under fire earlier this month for announcing that it had hired Yiannaki to continue leading the programme for sending patients abroad for treatment, as no one else could do the job.

After an outcry, the organisation withdrew its decision.

Head of medical services Elisabeth Constantinou will be assuming acting permanent secretary duties at the health ministry.

On Friday, Yiannaki hosted a party for all health ministry staff and also invited members of health organisations and services.

In a press release, Pasyki said public hospitals and public health benefitted from Yiannaki’s initiatives and expressed gratitude for her service from the position of permanent secretary.