Health minister calls on the young to take up nursing

The shortage of nursing and midwifery staff in Cyprus must be tackled effectively, Health Minister Michalis Damianos said on Tuesday.

He called on all young men and women, as well as students, who have not yet decided what to study, to consider a career in nursing and midwifery.

Speaking at a press conference to launch the campaign to promote nursing, the health minister said there is a notable drop in the number of young people opting for nursing studies.

There is zero unemployment among nursing staff in Cyprus and demand is on the rise, he said.

Over the next few years, he added, needs will continue to be high, as new private clinics have obtained or are in the process of obtaining licences.

To add to this, a large number of nurses are set to retire in the near future.

Damianos said his ministry had decided to allocate the best part of its health awareness budget for 2024 to implementing a communication campaign across all media to attract young people to nursing and midwifery.

This campaign, he explained, was a part of a larger action.

The minister also referred to the high standard of nursing courses in Cyprus, pointing out that the vocation had to do with prevention, healthcare, research and much more.