The Deputy Minister of Health, Marios Themistokleos, recently met with Dimitris Sifakis, the president of the Panhellenic Association of the Blind, to discuss important topics regarding accessibility for people with disabilities in the country’s health facilities. Their conversation focused on ways to enhance the public health system to better support daily life for individuals with disabilities.

The meeting took place at the “Andreas Syggros” hospital to commemorate International White Cane Day. This day serves as a reminder of the independence of visually impaired individuals and the importance of creating an inclusive environment.

During the meeting, Mr. Themistokleous emphasized the need for equal access to health services for all citizens. He stated, “Today reminds us of our responsibility to ensure dignity and equality in the care of people with disabilities. We must continually improve our health structures to make them accessible and welcoming for everyone.”

He noted that while progress has been made in terms of accessibility, there is still more to be done. For example, he mentioned the importance of adding Braille signage and providing route guides to help individuals with visual disabilities navigate the country’s health units more easily.

Mr. Sifakis echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of World White Cane Day. He expressed appreciation for the interventions made in recent years within hospitals, which aim to meet accessibility standards for people with all types of disabilities. He praised the ongoing construction of new hospitals designed to be inclusive and accommodating.

The two leaders discussed various initiatives to further enhance accessibility in the National Health System, including upgrading infrastructure, providing the necessary equipment, and training staff to better serve individuals with visual and other disabilities. These steps are vital for ensuring that everyone receives the quality care they deserve.