Thalassemia patients call for National Blood Strategy in Cyprus

Patients with thalassemia in Cyprus are demanding the immediate implementation of a National Blood Strategy to address chronic shortages and operational weaknesses within the National Blood Center. Miltos Miltiadou, President of the Pancyprian Thalassemia Association, stated that the system frequently fails to cover patient needs, particularly during holiday periods such as the mid-August season when blood donor turnout is low.

According to Miltiadou, these shortages are exacerbated by staffing gaps at the Blood Center and ineffective communication strategies. While there have been instances in the past where such deficits led to the cancellation of vital blood transfusions for chronic patients, the current situation in August has been managed without major disruptions so far. However, Miltiadou emphasized that the weeks following the mid-August holiday remain a period of high risk for the supply chain.

The development of a comprehensive National Blood Strategy is viewed as the primary solution to stabilize the donation process and ensure the continuity of care. The association continues to lobby for systematic reforms to prevent future delays in treatment for patients dependent on regular transfusions.