Health as a strategic pillar of economic development and social resilience

The “OEB Health Conference 2026,” organized by the Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB) in Nicosia, was successfully held on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The event gathered over 250 representatives from the state, scientific community, health providers, patients, and institutional bodies to discuss the future of Cyprus’s health system.

The conference opened with a message from the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Ms. Klea Papaellina, conveying that health is a critical pillar of competitiveness and long-term economic growth, alongside its social role. The State reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social and economic resilience through a sustainable health system.

Giorgos Pantelidis, President of OEB, emphasized that health should be viewed as a driver of national prosperity, investment, economic resilience, and social cohesion, rather than a cost.

A roundtable discussion focused on the future of health systems, highlighting solutions centered on human outcomes. Participants included experts from medicine, health policy, insurance, and entrepreneurship, sharing insights and expertise.

Key topics analyzed included international trends and best practices across four main axes:

• Prevention and individualized care, emphasizing a shift from disease management to prevention.
• Sustainability and cooperation, promoting public-private partnerships and the role of private insurance in supporting the General Health System (GHS).
• Digital transformation, focusing on technology, ethical AI use, and cyber resilience.
• Patient experience, as a central indicator of service quality and effectiveness.

The conference concluded that strategic planning and collaboration can enable Cyprus to develop a resilient and sustainable health system, representing a valuable investment for the economy and society.

OEB expressed gratitude to all participants and speakers for their contributions to advancing the public debate. Special thanks were given to supporting organizations for their active involvement.