Critical blood shortages cause surgery and transfusion delays in Cyprus

Cyprus is currently facing a severe blood supply crisis, with daily collections ranging from 150 to 250 units against a required 350 units. This shortfall has led to the postponement of planned surgeries in hospitals and, most alarmingly, delays in critical blood transfusions for thalassemia patients, including approximately 70 children whose health and development are now at risk.

Miltos Miltiadous, President of the Cyprus Thalassemia Association, and Andry Panagiotou, head of the Blood Center, have described the situation as critical. The supply issues are not limited to holiday periods but have persisted throughout September despite efforts to encourage donations. Industry leaders, including George Pantelidis of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB), warn that the shortage is directly hindering the seamless operation of hospital surgical departments.

The International Thalassemia Federation and the National Thalassemia Committee have joined the appeal for urgent public participation in blood drives. The Blood Center is actively running awareness campaigns in schools and communities to recruit new donors. Stakeholders are calling for immediate intervention from the Ministry of Health to improve inventory management and long-term donor engagement to ensure the safety of all patients who depend on regular transfusions.