Cypriot paediatricians have joined parents of children with haematological conditions in opposing construction projects planned at Makario Hospital, citing concerns about increased infection risks for immunocompromised patients.
The Cyprus Paediatric Society, in a statement, highlighted documented risks associated with construction near clinics treating vulnerable patients. The Society pointed to international literature linking such activity to a rise in hospital-acquired fungal infections, particularly aspergillosis, which has a high mortality rate.
“We regretfully note that no preventive measures have been taken to control these infections before any developmental projects begin,” the statement said, echoing concerns raised by parents’ organisations.
The Paediatric Society called the situation “unacceptable” and urged authorities to address the “critical issue” with sensitivity. It emphasised the need for a new, modern mother-and-child hospital to address the long-standing problems faced by public healthcare facilities.
“To genuinely support public hospitals and their crucial role in public health, we must boldly and decisively choose solutions to the long-standing structural and operational problems they face. These problems cannot be solved with quality compromises, makeshift solutions, and half-measures,” the statement concluded.
