The percentage of organ donors in Cyprus remains at very low levels compared to the rest of Europe, the Minister of Health Michalis Hadjipantela, said on Thursday.
According to figures, since 2011, 173 transplants have been carried out from living donors and 80 from posthumous ones.
Hadjipantela spoke to the press following his visit with Spanish Health Minister Carolina Darias, at the Transplantation Clinic of the Nicosia General Hospital.
He said that the average number of transplants per year is 21 and the aim is to increase this figures, drawing help from countries that are pioneers in the field, such as Spain.
The Transplantation Clinic became operational again today after two years during which it had remained closed due to the pandemic. It was founded in 2011.
During their visit to the Clinic the Ministers of Health of Cyprus and Spain were briefed by doctors about the operations and treatment activities and the operation of the ICU.
A meeting has been arranged later today to further discuss ways of cooperation with Spain in the field of transplantation.
The Spanish Minister of Health Carolina Darias, said that the percentage of donors in her country has increased by 40% and is among the highest in the EU.
She noted that Spain wants to continue cooperation with Cyprus in this field in order to keep saving lives.
State health services organization (OKYpY) Director Kypros Stavrides said that the Clinic is really a national treasure for Cyprus.
Source: Cyprus News Agency