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Cyprus Government And UCY Partner On Antibiotic And Infection Monitoring Platform

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 14, 2025

The Ministry of Health has formed a significant alliance with the University of Cyprus and the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation ‘KOIOS’ to create the ‘BIOCARE’ platform—a digital solution aimed at transforming antibiotic usage and infection monitoring in the country’s hospitals.

This collaboration is a cornerstone of the broader strategy to strengthen public health systems. At the heart of this initiative is the BIOCARE platform, designed to efficiently gather, analyze, and utilize data in real-time, providing crucial insights into antibiotic consumption and hospital-acquired infections.

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The Ministry of Health highlighted that antimicrobial resistance and infections contracted in hospitals present ongoing global challenges. These issues not only complicate infection treatments but also prolong patient hospital stays, adding pressure to healthcare systems worldwide.

BIOCARE aims to tackle these concerns head-on by harnessing the power of advanced artificial intelligence and data analytics. The platform will oversee antibiotic use, track antimicrobial resistance, and implement cutting-edge strategies to reduce infections acquired during hospital stays.

By enabling early detection of emerging trends, BIOCARE will empower health authorities to make more informed decisions, optimize antibiotic stewardship, and bolster infection prevention efforts in hospitals across the nation. This step represents a pivotal moment in building a dynamic, forward-thinking surveillance system that promotes responsible antibiotic use, curbs hospital-acquired infections, and strengthens the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

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Cyprus Construction Trends: Permit Count Slips While Value and Scale Surge in 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 11, 2025

The Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) has reported a notable shift in the construction landscape for 2025. The latest figures reveal a modest 1.9% decline in building permits issued in March compared to the same month last year, signaling a nuanced trend in the nation’s developmental activities.

Permit Count Decline in March

In March 2025, authorities authorised 572 building permits—down from 583 in March 2024. The permits, which total a value of €361.5 million and cover 296,900 square metres of construction, underscore a cautious pace in permit approval despite ongoing projects. Notably, these permits are set to facilitate the construction of 1,480 dwelling units, reflecting an underlying demand in the housing sector.

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Q1 2025: Growth in Value, Construction Area, and Dwelling Units

While the number of permits in the first quarter (January to March) decreased by 15.8% from 1,876 to 1,580, more significant, economically relevant metrics saw robust growth. Total permit value surged by 21.7%, and the authorised construction area expanded by 15.6%. Additionally, the number of prospective dwelling units increased by 16.7% compared to the corresponding period last year. This divergence suggests that although fewer permits were issued, the scale and ambition of the approved projects have intensified.

New Regulatory Framework and the Ippodamos System

Since 1 July 2024, a pivotal transition has taken place in permit administration. The responsibility for issuing permits has moved from municipalities and district administration offices to the newly established local government organisations (EOAs). The integrated information system, Ippodamos, now oversees the licensing process, streamlining data collection on both residential and non-residential projects across urban and rural areas.

Comprehensive Data Collection for Enhanced Oversight

The Ippodamos system categorises construction projects using the EU Classification of Types of Construction (CC). This platform gathers extensive data on the number of permits authorised, project area and value, and the expected number of dwelling units. It covers a broad spectrum of construction activities—from new builds and civil engineering projects to plot divisions and road construction—while excluding renewals and building divisions. The thoroughness of this new regulatory structure promises greater operational transparency and more informed decision-making for policymakers and industry stakeholders.