The need to immediately address blood shortages—which lead to postponements and substandard transfusions for patients with thalassemia— as well as to the postponement of surgical procedures, was highlighted during the discussion in the Parliamentary Health Committee, with Members of Parliament and patient representatives calling for comprehensive planning, strengthening of the Blood Center, and measures to promote voluntary blood donation, emphasizing that ensuring adequate blood supplies is a public health issue and an immediate priority for the government.
During the session, discussions focused on the National Strategy for Thalassemia and Other Hemoglobin Disorders, measures to address the shortage of blood for transfusions, and the development of an incentive framework for volunteer blood donors.
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A common theme among the interventions was the need for immediate action, as well as long-term planning to ensure an adequate blood supply and uninterrupted patient access to necessary transfusions.
DISY MP Prodromos Alambritis referred to the need to take specific measures to boost blood donation, noting that the concern of patients with thalassemia regarding postponed transfusions sends a serious message to the government.
He said that blood supply is a “public health issue” and emphasized that uninterrupted access to necessary transfusions must be a priority.
At the same time, he commended the staff of the Blood Center for their efforts, as well as the volunteer blood donors, noting Cyprus’s high performance in voluntary blood donation relative to its population.
Among his recommendations are strengthening the Blood Center with adequate staff, organizing targeted awareness campaigns, providing systematic education in schools, and considering granting honorary leave to soldiers who participate in blood drives.
Mr. Alambritis also expressed concern over the fact that the Blood Center’s request for additional staff was rejected by the Ministry of Finance, even though it had been submitted through the Ministry of Health.
He also said that he intends to contact the relevant ministries and submit a bill to provide for the granting of half a day or a full day of leave to volunteer blood donors, particularly in the public and broader public sectors.
In addition, he recommended that private companies be informed so that they can make it easier for their employees to donate blood.
On behalf of AKEL, MP Konstantinos Konstantinou emphasized the need to investigate the causes of blood shortages, despite Cyprus’s strong tradition of voluntary blood donation.
He expressed the party’s respect for volunteer blood donors, noting that their contributions save lives, while questioning how it is possible for serious shortages to occur when the country ranks, as he noted, among the top nations internationally in voluntary blood donation.
As he said, these shortages result in postponements or substandard transfusions for patients with thalassemia, as well as postponements of surgical procedures, a fact that makes it necessary to take immediate action.
Mr. Konstantinou noted that AKEL requested the submission of specific data covering the entire spectrum of blood donation, emphasizing the need to develop a comprehensive capacity plan (capacity plan) based on the actual needs of the population.
At the same time, he noted that long-term planning is required, combined with targeted awareness campaigns to attract new volunteer blood donors.
Referring to the Ministry of Finance’s rejection of requests to increase the Blood Center’s staff, he emphasized that health issues cannot be addressed in purely financial terms.
“Blood donation is an act of solidarity,” he said, adding that ensuring the necessary blood supply for every patient is the responsibility of the state.
ELAM MP Andreas Charalambous emphasized the need for organized planning and systematic support for voluntary blood donation.
As he noted, the demand for blood is increasing; and in the case of Cyprus, in addition to the long-standing needs of patients with thalassemia, the operation of new hospitals and the performance of new types of surgical procedures are creating additional demands.
Mr. Charalambous said that a national strategy is needed, with a particular focus on thalassemia, as well as measures to encourage voluntary blood donation, especially among young people.
In this context, he recommended strengthening awareness campaigns in high schools, universities, and military bases, so that blood donation can become part of the culture among young people and the participation of young volunteers can be increased.
ALMA Member of Parliament, Litsa Drousiotou, said that during the session, the issue of blood shortages was raised, as well as the fact that blood donation centers in the districts of Famagusta, Larnaca, and Paphos due to a shortage of staff.
Ms. Drousiotou noted that ALMA proposed the creation of mobile blood collection units to fill the gaps and increase the ability to attract blood donors.
She also expressed disappointment over the Ministry of Finance’s rejection of requests to hire staff, emphasizing that comprehensive planning, effective coordination of services, and full implementation of the National Strategy, which was approved in 2022.
At the same time, he addressed issues related to newborn screening for rare diseases and the shortage of nurses, arguing that timely interventions and planning are needed to meet the needs of the healthcare system.
Furthermore, the President of the Federation of Cyprus Patients’ Associations (OSAK) and the Pan-Cyprian Thalassemia Association, Miltos Miltiades, who spoke of the patients’ “cry of anguish” and called on the government to take immediate action.
As he noted, data from thalassemia clinics were presented, and he called for cooperation among the relevant agencies and organizations to meet the current blood supply needs.
The goal, as he explained, is to address the problem during the current period, until the government’s plans under the National Blood Donation Strategy bear fruit.
Mr. Miltiadous issued a new appeal to volunteer blood donors to support the effort, acknowledging the pressure they are under, while also expressing his hope that the Parliamentary Committee on Health will systematically monitor the issue and the relevant data, so that there is a clear picture of the needs and the necessary solutions can be implemented in a timely manner.
