Cyprus Ministry of Health evaluates acquisition of dedicated medical evacuation aircraft

During the discussion of the 2027 health budget on November 6, 2026, the Cypriot Minister of Health announced that the government is evaluating the potential acquisition of a specialized aircraft for medical evacuations. This initiative, proposed by DISY MP Savia Orphanidou, aims to improve the logistics for transferring patients who require specialized treatment abroad. The Minister stated that a final decision on the procurement will be contingent upon a comprehensive assessment of actual needs and the total volume of patient transfers.

Simultaneously, the Ministry is reviewing the current financial support scheme for patients and their families traveling abroad for medical purposes. The proposed revisions include the possibility of prepaying a portion of the expenses incurred by families. Furthermore, the Minister expressed support for ensuring that patients undergoing long-term treatment with specific foreign physicians can maintain continuity in their care. The Ministry will continue to analyze these requirements to determine the most effective path forward for state-sponsored medical travel and patient support.