“Health comes first” a quote we hear all the time. The question is who really lives by that? Health services should be considered a top priority of a truly Progressive State. The General Health System of Cyprus (GHS) was implemented just 2 years ago, this was something long overdue. A person can set their own priorities as they like for themselves, but a Country has the responsibility for all citizens. GHS, like all things in the beginning, still needs many improvements, for facilities, infrastructure, services it offers as well as attracting credible healthcare professionals and gaining trust from citizens.
However, health is not only related to hospitals and clinics and of course not only related to physical health but also mental health. I would take it one step further. It’s one thing to be healthy and another is to be comfortable and happy.
Here you can find the happiness reports of several countries for the past few years.
One thing leads to the other and as usual we end up to matters of the environment. To be healthy and happy, we need a clean environment, fresh air, clean water and good healthy food.
Air quality in Cyprus is not very good, measurements are usually marginal or higher than the acceptable levels. You monitor the measurements here and you can find more information from European Surveys here. Estimates say that we have 700-750 deaths per year, i.e. 2 people every day just because of air quality.
There are also many issues with water and authorities aren’t able to ensure clean drinking water to our homes. A lot of people buy bottled water, in plastic bottles, for their home needs. See the article here (in Greek) to get an idea.
Food production hides huge problems, especially when it comes from animals. Antibiotics, hormones, adverse working conditions, minimal audit and of course, the issue of ethics. Do you know any moral way to kill?
Milk and dairy production is a very cruel industry. Many people do not realize that cows and sheep are mammals, like humans. A female produces milk only after giving birth. What do you think they do to calfs and lamps to get their mother’s milk? Usually they kill them, especially males since they can’t produce milk and therefore aren’t economically viable. On the website of the Statistical Service, you can find various information.
Today in Cyprus, unfortunately, none of what I have mentioned above seems to be a priority for the country. Where is the “Health comes first” we hear all the time?
What do you think, should health be a top priority for the country?
I do, and myself, along with the Green Party, will continue to fight so that the country can provide modern health services to all citizens.
Cheers to Health!
Let’s go Green!
