Dialogos

Marina Nikolaou: Support for the National Cancer Institute, but with a clear institutional framework

Published March 23, 2026, 17:02
Marina Nikolaou: Support for the National Cancer Institute, but with a clear institutional framework

AKEL MP Marina Nikolaou expressed her party's longstanding support for the creation of the National Cancer Institute during a discussion of the relevant bill in the Parliamentary Health Committee. Despite this initial support, Ms. Nikolaou expressed concerns about the proposed framework, believing that it assigns excessive powers to the Institute without adequate institutional integration into public administration. AKEL's position is that the formulation of the national cancer strategy should remain the responsibility of the state and not be transferred outside the core of public administration. Ms. Nikolaou proposed improvements to the bill to ensure the Institute's complementary, scientific and advisory role, as well as transparency and accountability. Specifically, Ms. Nikolaou emphasized the need for a clear institutional framework that will define the role and responsibilities of the Institute, in order to avoid overlaps with other bodies and ensure its effective operation. Strengthening transparency and accountability is considered essential to avoid potential problems and enhance public trust. The goal, as Ms. Nikolaou stated, is to create a strong and effective Institute that will operate for the benefit of patients and society within a clear and institutionally sound framework. The discussion of the bill continues in the Health Committee, with the aim of reaching a common ground for the creation of the Institute.