Newsroom
Blood stocks across Cyprus have reached critical levels, with health authorities urging people to donate blood as demand remains high and scheduled donation sessions are expected to fall well short of daily requirements.
Dr Androula Panayiotou, head of the Blood Centre, said the situation is particularly difficult as Cyprus enters the period around August 15, when many residents are away on holiday and regular organised donation campaigns become less frequent.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Panayiotou said the coming two weeks are expected to be among the most difficult periods for blood supplies, along with the days following August 15.
Cyprus requires approximately 350 units of blood every day to meet the needs of hospitals and patients across the island. Current scheduled donation sessions, however, are expected to produce only around 190 to 200 units per day.
“If we start collecting around 190 to 200” units daily, Panayiotou warned, “then we will face a serious problem.”
The Blood Centre received satisfactory quantities during the weekend, but this has not removed the need for further donations. Recent supplies were also supported by organised blood drives conducted by the military, but those campaigns have now ended.
The summer holiday period creates another challenge. Blood donation drives normally organised by workplaces, universities and other organisations are reduced because many employees and students are away, while some workplaces close completely.
Panayiotou appealed to people who are either already on holiday or preparing to leave to spend around 15 to 20 minutes donating blood.
“There are blood donation stations open across Cyprus,” she said, encouraging residents to make time for a donation that could help save lives.
Blood donation stations
For the week of August 10 to 16, the listed opening hours are:
Nicosia
Engomi Health Centre
Monday to Friday: 07:30-20:00
Saturday: Closed
Tel. 22809098
Geri Health Centre
Monday to Friday: 07:30-20:00
Saturday: Closed
Tel. 22309221
Limassol
Old Hospital
Monday to Friday: 07:30-20:00
Saturday: Closed
Tel. 25730277
Larnaca
General Hospital, third floor, new wing
August 10-12: 07:30-20:00
August 13-14: 07:30-15:00
Saturday: Closed
Tel. 24800402
Paphos
Blood Donation Station, Royal Business Center
August 10-11: 07:30-20:00
August 12: 07:30-15:00
August 13: Closed
August 14: 07:30-20:00
Saturday: Closed
Tel. 26306409
Famagusta
Paralimni, Sotiros 2
August 10, 11 and 13: 07:30-15:00
August 12: 07:30-20:00
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Tel. 99287584
Further information on permanent donation stations and mobile blood drives is available through the Blood Centre's Facebook page here:
Κέντρο Αίματος Κύπρου/Αιμοδοσία-Cyprus Blood Establishment/Blood Donation Facebook
