38th Annual Meeting of the European Forum of Medical Associations (EFMA)
Hosted by the Cyprus Medical Association
"Threats to the Medical Profession"
The 38th Annual Meeting of the European Forum of Medical Associations (EFMA), hosted by the Cyprus Medical Association (CMA), took place from the 25th to 28th of September 2024, in Limassol, Cyprus. The conference gathered representatives from National Medical Associations (NMAs) across Europe and other stakeholders from the healthcare sector to discuss the growing threats to the medical profession and explore solutions for safeguarding healthcare practices across Europe.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Petros Agathangelou, President of the Cyprus Medical Association, emphasized the importance of unity in addressing critical challenges: “The last decade has brought significant changes to the healthcare sector, including reforms and unprecedented challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. These developments have tested the resilience of the medical profession. Physician autonomy is under threat due to the increasing influence of political, economic, and corporate stakeholders in healthcare decisions.”
The meeting focused on several pressing issues such as Physician’s Autonomy, the Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Discrimination in Healthcare and Increasing Polarization among medical professionals.
On behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the Minister of Health, Mr. Michael Damianos, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the government's commitment to safeguarding the medical profession. He acknowledged the threats arising from technological, social, and economic changes, as well as the critical role of NMAs in ensuring high-quality healthcare. “Medical Associations must operate independently, free from political and economic interference, to protect patients and promote medical excellence,” said Mr. Damianos.
EFMA's Secretary General, Adv. Leah Wapner, expressed her gratitude to the Cyprus Medical Association for their warm hospitality in hosting the event. During her speech at the opening ceremony, she also expressed her satisfaction with the presence of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Cyprus, emphasizing that his participation demonstrates the government's genuine interest and the importance it places on the health sector and medical science.
Ms. Wapner then provided a brief overview of the conference’s thematic topics.
EFMA’s role in fostering dialogue and collaboration was widely recognized throughout the meeting. The diversity of NMAs, operating as regulatory bodies or professional associations, was seen as both a strength and a challenge.
EFMA’s platform helps address these differences and promotes consensus on key issues. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue advocating for the independence of the medical profession, combating discrimination, and embracing technological advancements responsibly. The Cyprus Medical Association and EFMA pledged to work closely with NMAs and global partners to ensure that the medical profession remains resilient, ethical, and focused on patient health and welfare.
October 7, 2024
