Cyprus blood banks issue urgent appeal as supplies hit critical levels

Blood reserves across Cyprus have reached critical levels, prompting Dr. Androulla Panayiotou, head of the national Blood Bank, to issue an urgent public appeal for blood donations. The current and upcoming weeks, especially surrounding the August 15th holiday (Dekapentavgoustos), are considered a particularly high-risk period for the medical system.

The health services require approximately 350 units of blood daily to meet national needs. While the Blood Bank managed to secure sufficient quantities over the past weekend—partially assisted by organized drives within the National Guard—projections for the coming days indicate a significant shortfall. Current schedules suggest a collection of only 190 to 200 units per day, which is far below the required quota. Dr. Panayiotou warned that if these collection trends persist, the health sector will face a severe crisis.

The decline in donations is largely attributed to the summer vacation period, which has seen a reduction in public attendance at donation stations. Officials are urging citizens to spare 15 to 20 minutes to contribute, noting that this simple act is vital for maintaining essential medical services and saving lives during the holiday season.