Cyprus cabinet approves bill for the national cancer institute

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the Cypriot Council of Ministers approved a bill to establish the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The institute will function as an autonomous scientific body responsible for the coordination, organization, and supervision of oncology-related matters in the country. Key mandates for the NCI include the preparation and implementation of the National Cancer Strategy, the development of clinical protocols, and the promotion of cancer research. The initiative was championed by the Ministry of Health and supported by organizations such as PASYKAF and the federation of patients' associations, OSAK. President Nikos Christodoulides noted that the establishment of this body fulfills a pre-election pledge to centralize cancer policy. Health Minister Neofytos Charalambides stated the institute will also oversee professional education and data analysis to improve service quality. While the bill has been approved by the cabinet, reports suggest that parliamentary debate may be delayed until after the upcoming legislative elections due to time constraints. The project aims to transition oncology services toward a more evidence-based and holistic management model.