Cyprus-Greece transplant agreements to go ahead

Health Minister Michael Damianos announced on Friday that cabinet approved kidney and lung transplant agreements set to be signed on September 19 with the Greek government.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Damianos said this was a “particularly important development in the field of transplants.”

Through these agreements “our collaboration with Greece’s health ministry is strengthened. The ultimate goal is improving the care of our patients and increasing the chances of finding compatible donors.”

Damianos said that the first agreement is for cross-over kidney transplantations, as part of an initiative that will allow the exchange of organs between Cyprus and Greece. This will apply in cases of incompatibility between donor and recipient, offering a new solution to patients who would otherwise find it difficult to receive a transplant.

“This collaboration is expected to increase the success rate of such surgeries and contribute substantially to improving the quality of life of our patients.”

The health minister added that the second agreement concerns the field of lung transplants and establishes the framework for performing transplants on adult patients in Greece’s transplant centres.

Furthermore, Damianos said the agreement includes the possibility of offering organs that are not used in Cyprus to the Hellenic Society of Organ Transplantation. This arrangement ensures that the organs available will be used in the best possible way, while contributing to the strengthening of cooperation with Greece.

“These agreements are a crucial step in strengthening healthcare and promoting our cooperation with other countries in the field of transplantation for the benefit of our patients.”