Nicosia, Cyprus. State officials, healthcare workers and relatives held a memorial service on Wednesday for the 33 people killed when the Turkish Air Force bombed Wards 1 and 2 of Athalassa hospital during the 1974 Turkish invasion.
The service took place at the victims’ monument near Nicosia general hospital, honouring 31 patients and two nurses, including three Turkish Cypriot patients.
Victims’ monument
The monument was unveiled in 2023 at the site of the destroyed wards and bears the names of all 33 victims.
Those attending included House health committee chair Savia Orphanidou, Nicosia district governor Andreas Hatzipakkos, State Health Services Organisation general financial director Robertos Karachannas, representatives of the health ministry, trade unions, mental health services and relatives of the victims.
Calls to preserve memory
Orphanidou said it was important to honour both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot victims and ensure their memory was not forgotten.
“Historical memory must remain alive,” she said.
She added that mental health services should continue to be strengthened to provide patients and their families with “the best care, the best support, the best understanding and, above all, the most important medicine anyone can offer: love.”
Mental health infrastructure
Karachannas described the anniversary as “a day of reflection, honour and responsibility”, saying the victims’ sacrifice remained an indelible part of Cyprus’ history.
He said the State Health Services Organisation remained committed to upgrading mental health services, with the second and third phases of infrastructure projects expected to begin by 2027.
