Cyprus is working on a national action plan for transplantation, stronger institutional arrangements and an integrated information system for transplant registries, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides has said.

Speaking at an event in Paphos on Friday, 9 October, marking the 25th European Day for Organ, Tissue and Cell Donation, he outlined measures to improve services and encourage donation.

The Ministry’s priorities include expanding the network of transplant coordinators in public and private hospitals. Coordinators help identify potential donors, communicate with families and ensure the timely involvement of the relevant services.

The expansion will be supported by ongoing training for doctors and nurses in intensive care units and at the Transplant Clinic of Nicosia General Hospital.

Specialist training in Madrid is also planned to strengthen expertise in identifying and managing potential organ donors, with the knowledge gained helping to develop training within Cyprus.

According to figures presented at the event, 1,171 kidney transplants have been performed in Cyprus to date, involving 1,108 donors. A further 181 grafts have been provided to other countries through international cooperation.

The Karaiskakio Foundation’s Bone Marrow Donor Registry has more than 200,000 Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot volunteers. More than 1,000 Cypriot volunteers have donated stem cells to patients in 36 countries.

Charalambides said increasing organ donation requires public confidence, strict quality and safety standards, and transparent allocation based on medical criteria.

He also emphasised protecting the health and dignity of donors and recipients, alongside support for the families of deceased donors.

International partnerships could expand treatment options for patients requiring transplants that are not performed in Cyprus, he added.

The Minister called for clear, scientifically supported information in schools, communities, workplaces and the media to address misinformation and help people make informed decisions without pressure.

He encouraged people to discuss their wishes about donation after death with their families.

Expressing gratitude to donors, their families and healthcare professionals, he said donation cannot undo a loss but can give another person the chance to continue living, reflecting the event’s message, “Sharing Lives”.

Source: Pinewsuk.com