In a key decision aimed at addressing patient safety and public health, the cabinet of Cyprus, led by Health Minister Michalis Damianos, approved a series of measures to tackle the escalating issue of antimicrobial resistance and hospital-related infections. Described by Damianos as one of the country’s most significant health challenges, the high rate of antibiotic usage and subsequent antimicrobial resistance bears alarming implications for Cyprus, mirroring a situation shared by various other EU nations. This issue necessitates immediate, systematic intervention to mitigate its risks.
The fundamental aim of the Health Ministry, as stated by Damianos, is to devise strategies for the systematic use of antibiotics, prevent and control the spread of hospital-related infections and initiate wide-ranging control programmes to this effect. Part of the measures agreed upon includes the creation and maintenance of local infection control committees and antibiotic logistic teams in both private and public hospitals. These teams will be at the forefront of the fight against hospital infections, working proactively to prevent and control their spread.
To facilitate this, all private and public hospitals will need to register on the national platform, Biocare. This system collects valuable data on hospital-related infections and the use of antimicrobials within these hospitals. At an initial stage, the platform will closely monitor hand hygiene compliance and various quality indicators of organization and infrastructure to ensure the effective management of antimicrobial resistance and hospital-based infections.
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Source: https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/11/11/measures-against-hospital-infections-approved