Health Minister honours memory of tuberculosis patients at Kyperounta Sanatorium

The Kyperounta Sanatorium, a cornerstone of Cyprus’ medical history, was the focus of a commemorative ceremony on Sunday, with Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides paying tribute to tuberculosis patients who were treated and passed away at the facility.

Addressing attendees at the memorial service, Charalambides spoke about the sanatorium’s evolution over the decades. Initially dedicated to tuberculosis patients, the institution later expanded its services to other patient groups, and following 1974, it was transformed into a Regional Hospital. Today, as the Troodos Hospital, the facility has been renovated and upgraded, continuing to provide essential health services.

The minister placed particular emphasis on the tuberculosis clinic, which reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment. “Cyprus now ranks among countries with a low incidence of tuberculosis, thanks to targeted public health policies, timely diagnosis, and systematic therapeutic approaches,” he said.

Charalambides added that preserving the site is not merely an act of historical restoration, but also a tribute to those who endured the disease under conditions of social exclusion. “By honouring the memory of those who suffered and passed away, we pay due respect and reaffirm our responsibility to safeguard public health with consistency and compassion,” he stated.

The minister also reflected on the early history of tuberculosis in Cyprus and internationally, noting the stigma and fear that characterised societal attitudes toward the disease. Despite these challenges, the Kyperounta Sanatorium became a space of care, healing, and hope, bearing silent witness to human suffering.

A particularly poignant aspect of this history was the management of deceased patients during the sanatorium’s early years. In the early 1940s, fear and social prejudice prevented burials in nearby community cemeteries, and families were often reluctant to assume responsibility for the interment of loved ones. As a result, a dedicated burial site was established near the sanatorium—a simple, solemn space marked by the lives of those who died prematurely, often far from family. Many graves remained anonymous, including that of a young boy named “Titos,” who passed away in August 1947 at just three years old.

The memorial served as a reminder of the historical importance of the Kyperounta Sanatorium and the ongoing duty to preserve the memory of those affected by tuberculosis. It also underscored the state’s commitment to protecting public health.