Blood reserves in Cyprus have dropped to dangerously low levels, according to the Head of the Blood Centre, Androulla Panayiotou, who issued an urgent appeal for donations. Speaking to CNA, Ms Panayiotou warned that the current shortages, largely due to the summer holiday period, are putting essential medical services at risk.
“We are facing serious shortages because many people are away on holiday,” she said, noting that the lack of donations could lead to the postponement of scheduled surgeries and essential blood transfusions for patients in need.
“The demand for blood is very high,” she stressed. “I make an urgent appeal to the public to donate either before going on holiday or immediately upon their return.”
Ms Panayiotou explained that 300 units of blood are needed daily to maintain a safe reserve. “Securing enough blood is a daily challenge for the Centre,” she added. “Unfortunately, surgeries have not stopped, and we are dealing with many cases involving haemorrhaging.”
When asked about upcoming donation events, she confirmed that mobile blood donation stations will be set up at Nicosia Mall next week, with a detailed schedule to be published on the Blood Centre’s website on Saturday.
She also emphasised that all urban blood donation centres will remain open throughout the day in the coming week. In Nicosia and Limassol, centres will operate from 07:30 to 20:00, while those in Paphos and Larnaca will follow full-day schedules unless called for mobile collections. In such cases, their hours will be adjusted to 07:30 to 15:00.
Source: CNA
Feature photo Image: POZ Magazine
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