The bill for Cyprus’ new National Cancer Institute is going to plenum on April 2 with a mandate of contributing to prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, support, palliative care and rehabilitation.

The House health committee wrapped up discussions on the issue on Monday, with MPs welcoming the move and others voicing reservations.

Chairman of the committee Disy MP Efthymios Diplaros said the institute would advise on a cancer registry, as well as promote research programmes.

The institute, he said, would not provide health services, but would coordinate and advise on the oncology sector, participate in committees, cooperate with services and make suggestions to the health minister.

Akel MP Marina Nikolaou expressed concern over the content of the bill, saying it gave the institute extensive authorities.

She added that Akel had tabled amendments to enhance transparency and accountability and secure the effective participation of all involved parties.

Diko MP Andreas Apostolou said the institute placed Cyprus on the map of European countries with a national institute, while Edek MP Marinos Sizopoulos said his party had submitted proposals so that the system could work in the best possible way.

Furthermore, Dipa MP Giorgos Penintaex said the institute would play a significant role in planning, implementing and evaluating the national cancer strategy.