**Blood Centre Appeals for Donors as Demand Surges**
The Blood Centre of Cyprus has issued a public appeal for blood donations, highlighting a significant increase in daily demand that has risen to approximately 350 units. This figure marks more than a doubling of the prior demand levels, which averaged around 150 units before the Covid-19 pandemic. The Centre's head, Androula Panayiotou, emphasized the necessity for continual replenishment of blood stocks to meet the needs of patients across the island.
Panayiotou's call to action comes as many regular blood donors are away on summer holidays, leading to a recurring drop in donations during the month of August. She urged individuals who have not yet departed for vacation or those who have recently returned to consider donating blood. “Illnesses, accidents, and patients who require regular transfusions do not go on holiday,” she stated, underscoring the constant pressure on blood supplies.
The increase in demand for blood has been attributed to several factors, including a rise in the number and complexity of surgical procedures being performed in both public and private hospitals. These procedures require larger quantities of blood, contributing to the heightened need. Additionally, Panayiotou noted that patients with thalassaemia are living longer, necessitating ongoing blood transfusions over extended periods.
Currently, the blood groups facing the most significant pressure are O positive, O negative, and A negative. Limited blood supplies can have serious implications, particularly for scheduled operations and for patients who rely on regular treatments, such as those with thalassaemia, blood disorders, leukaemia, and various forms of cancer.
To address the urgent need for blood, the Blood Centre has been proactive in organizing donation drives at shopping centres and in mountain communities, where participation from visitors has been encouraging. However, Panayiotou acknowledged that these efforts alone are insufficient to consistently meet the high demand. Many scheduled workplace and community blood drives are paused during the holiday season, further complicating the situation.
In response to the growing need, the Blood Centre has extended its hours, keeping donation stations open on Saturdays. The centres located in Yeri and Engomi will operate every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., while other centres will follow a schedule based on mobile blood donation drives and staff availability.
Despite the current situation, Panayiotou reassured the public that there is no immediate blood shortage, but emphasized the importance of maintaining a steady flow of donors throughout the summer months. “We need the backing of society as a whole,” she said, highlighting the crucial role that community participation plays in ensuring that blood supplies remain adequate.
As the Blood Centre continues to monitor the situation closely, it remains committed to prioritizing the needs of the most urgent cases, ensuring that patients receive the necessary care and treatment. The call for donations serves as a reminder of the vital role that each individual can play in supporting the health and well-being of their community.