Critical blood shortages affect thalassaemia patients in Cyprus

On September 21, 2026, thalassaemia patients in Cyprus faced critical disruptions as the Blood Centre reported a lack of available blood for necessary transfusions. This follows a trend where patients have faced repeated postponements and partial transfusions, putting their long-term health at serious risk. These shortages have become more frequent and prolonged over recent years, complicating care for those reliant on regular blood supplies.

Miltos Miltiadous, president of the Pancyprian Thalassaemia Association and the Federation of Cyprus Patients’ Associations, stated that the situation has reached a breaking point. He warned that if left unaddressed, the systemic failures will affect the entire healthcare sector rather than just thalassaemia patients. He explicitly called for immediate institutional reform, including the hiring of specialized personnel at the Blood Centre to implement modern donation strategies and the establishment of a robust annual planning system, specifically targeting blood collection during summer and holiday periods.

The association continues to lobby for urgent intervention to prevent further medical complications. As of the latest report, authorities have not announced a concrete policy change, leaving patients and medical staff in a state of high concern regarding the continuity of their life-saving treatment.