Cyprus cabinet approves new blood transfusion safety regulations

On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the Cabinet of Cyprus approved new regulations mandating the establishment and operation of Hemovigilance and Transfusion Committees in hospitals. The announcement was made by the Minister of Health, Neofytos Charalambidis, under the framework of the 1997 Blood Donation Law.

The new regulations aim to standardize transfusion protocols and improve safety across all medical facilities. Key objectives include the systematic recording, evaluation, and reporting of adverse reactions and incidents related to blood transfusions. The initiative also enhances the traceability of blood products from the donor to the recipient, ensuring that unified and medically sound practices are applied consistently across the healthcare sector.

This decision is part of the broader National Strategy for Blood and aligns Cyprus with European regulatory frameworks regarding the quality and safety of substances of human origin (SoHO). Minister Charalambidis emphasized that the primary goal is the continuous upgrading of health services and the protection of patients at every stage of the transfusion process.