Deputy Minister to the President expected to make full recovery

Deputy Minister to the President, Petros Demetriou, who underwent open-heart surgery on Tuesday, is being treated in the ICU of a private hospital in Nicosia and is in stable condition.  His doctor, Marinos Soteriou, noted that he is expected to make a full recovery.

Demetriou was transported by ambulance to the American Medical Centre after feeling unwell earlier on Tuesday. Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades visited the hospital and was informed of Demetriou's state of health.

House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela, Interior Minister Nicos Nouris, Labour Minister Kyriacos Koushos and Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry Christina Yiannaki also visited the hospital.

In statements following the surgery Dr. Marinos Soteriou, Director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department of the American Medical Center said that after some tests it was determined that Demetriou suffered from a congenital heart defect.

"He had to undergo emergency open-heart surgery immediately to correct the problem," he added.

In a recent statement, spokesperson Marios Pelekanos confirmed that Mr. Demetriou is expected to be moved from intensive care later today.

"Based on the information I received this morning, the night went smoothly, as expected," Mr. Pelekanos said replying to a question on the matter.

On his part, Dr. Soteriou confirmed to CNA that Demetriou "has woken up, he is fine, he is on the ventilator and is progressing normally."

The Director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department also said that Demetriou is expected to have a full recovery.