The High Commissioner for the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Mr Alexandros Zenon, for the second year running announces the annual Cyprus Medical Tourism Conference at the Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, London on Thursday 5th February 2009. The free conference is being organised by the Cyprus Health Service Promotion Board, which is part of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry, in co-operation with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.

The medical conference will put medical professionals, travel companies and insurance providers from the UK in touch with experienced and trustworthy professionals based in Cyprus working in fertility, obesity, orthopaedics, reconstruction, dentistry, cardiology and optometry. For the first time this year the conference will also showcase spa and well-being services with the participation of Cyprus Spa Association. Participants will include: Cyprus Dental Association, Ygia Polyclinic, Iasis Hospital, Picture Perfect Medical Coordinators, Blue Cross Polyclinic, American Heart Institute, St Raphael Private Hospital, Vorka Polyclinic, Nicosia Dental Polyclinic, Pedieos, M.D. Medical Centre, Apollonion Private Hospital and Chrysovalatou Clinic.

The conference will follow the format of presentations, meetings, exhibitions and networking.opportunities. Presentations will be given by the President of the Cyprus Health Service Promotion Board, Dr Nicos Maroudias on the Health System in Cyprus; Keith Pollard, Managing Director of Treatment Abroad on Health Tourism in Cyprus and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation on Cyprus as a Medical Tourism Destination.

Over 50 countries have identified medical tourism as a national industry. However, accreditation and other measures of quality vary widely across the globe. The endorsement from the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry means this sector is highly controlled in Cyprus and is proving a popular choice with the British. Most Cypriot based doctors and consultants have been trained in English speaking countries and are familiar with the rigorous standards of operating procedure, hygiene and professional ethics that UK patients have come to expect. The clinics and hospitals offer an alternative to the long waiting time often required by patients for operations in the UK. The beautiful island of Cyprus already attracts over 1.3 million visitors from the UK every year. It�s clear blue waters and sandy beaches provide many relaxing options for post-op recovery and a getaway from the speed of life in the UK. The Cypriots are friendly and the wide choice of 3 - 5 star hotels are ideal for convalescence.

In a recent survey undertaken by Treatment Abroad.com and published in The Times (18th October 2008), Cyprus was voted amongst the top three destinations for both cosmetic surgery and fertility treatment.

For more information and/or registration visit: www.cyprusmedicaltourismconference.com

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High resolution photographs available on request

Enquiries Nicoletta Paphitou Telephone: 00 357 22691254 or Email: nicolettapaphitou@visitcyprus.com www.cyhealthservices.com www.visitcyprus.com

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