Cyprus approves new regulations for hospital blood transfusion safety

On October 21, 2026, the Cyprus Council of Ministers approved new regulations for the establishment and operation of Hemovigilance and Transfusion Committees in both public and private hospitals. Announced by Health Minister Neofytos Charalambidis, the regulations aim to standardize transfusion protocols, ensure strict traceability of blood products from donor to recipient, and enforce the systematic recording and reporting of any adverse reactions or incidents.

Under the new framework, each hospital must form a committee consisting of at least four members: the administrative director, two physicians, and a head nurse. These committees are required to meet at least quarterly, undergo reorganization every three years, and maintain detailed records. They are also tasked with producing annual transfusion reports and monitoring quality indicators. Furthermore, the committees must maintain immediate readiness to initiate recalls of blood products when necessary.

The initiative is part of the National Blood Strategy and aligns Cyprus with European Union standards for the quality and safety of substances of human origin (SoHO). These measures build upon the existing Blood Donation Law of 1997, specifically mandating greater oversight and transparency within medical facilities to enhance patient protection during clinical procedures.