Blood is in short supply for patients. Urgent appeal to donors

Blood supplies in Cyprus are so low that urgent appeals for donors are being made. The Blood Center is asking those who can donate blood to come forward. All blood types are needed.

The problem affects, among others, patients requiring regular transfusions. Before visiting a blood donation center, it's worth confirming opening hours—especially on Wednesday, October 28th, which falls on a public holiday.

In recent days, donors have been receiving messages urging them to urgently report to blood collection points. As Philenews reports, some people are also receiving calls appealing for help.

One regular donor who contacted the editors described the scale of repeat requests as exceptional over the years of donating blood.

The news highlights the low attendance at the points and the needs of patients who urgently need blood.

There is a shortage of blood from all groups

The Blood Center is appealing not only to people with one specific blood type. As its director, Andri Panayiotou, emphasized, Blood of all groups is needed.

Blood is used for operations, to treat accident victims, and for patients requiring regular transfusions. It is also needed by people undergoing treatment for cancer and blood disorders.

During a recent meeting of the Parliamentary Health Committee, doctors and patient representatives reported on the postponement of transfusions for people with thalassaemia major. These repeated delays are a source of concern for them and can hinder their ability to continue treatment as planned.

Where to donate blood?

The Ministry of Health has previously listed blood donation sites in several cities. Before traveling, please call and confirm. whether the chosen point is open and what hours it accepts donors.

Information numbers were also provided in the messages sent to donors. 22 809075 and 22 309222You can inquire about blood donation opportunities and the current schedule below.

Who can donate blood?

According to the information from the Cyprus Blood Centre, a donor can be a person in generally good health, aged from 17 to 66 years old, weighing at least 50 kilograms.

These are general conditions. Whether a person can donate blood on a specific day also depends on their health and the answers they provided during the screening process. If you have any questions—for example, after a recent illness, travel, or medication—it's best to ask the staff at the donation center.

The Center states that men can donate blood every 90 days and women every 120 days. Before donating again, it's worth making sure the required interval has passed.

How else can you help?

Those unable to donate blood can share this appeal with family, friends, or colleagues. It's also a good idea to share contact numbers so those interested can check the donation location and date.

There's no need to wait for an appeal for your own blood type. The Blood Center recognizes that the need extends to all blood types, and regular donations help maintain supplies even when there's no emergency.