Blood reserves across Cyprus are currently at critical levels, Head of the Blood Centre Dr. Androulla Panayiotou told CNA on Monday, issuing a fresh appeal to the public to visit blood donation centres, particularly ahead of the difficult period surrounding the August 15 holiday.
Speaking to CNA, Dr Panayiotou said that “we are at critical levels at the moment”, noting that the current and following week, as well as the days after August 15, are expected to be particularly challenging.
“We need to make a new appeal to the public to come to the blood donation centres, give blood and help their fellow citizens. Even 15-20 minutes of their time will help us”, she said.
Dr. Panayiotou explained that around 350 units of blood are required daily to meet needs across Cyprus.
She said the Blood Establishment managed to collect satisfactory quantities over the weekend, but indications for the coming days are cause for concern.
“We need 350 units a day. If we start collecting around 190-200, as the currently scheduled blood drives indicate, then we will face a serious problem,” she warned.
She added that blood supplies in recent days were maintained partly thanks to organised blood donation drives held at military camps. However, these have now been completed, while organised blood drives at workplaces, universities and other institutions are significantly reduced during the summer holiday period.
“Organised groups are not holding blood drives during these days because they know that many people are away and many workplaces are closed. As a result, we do not have the organised blood drives that usually help us reach 350 units per day”, she said.
The Head of the Blood Establishment renewed her appeal to members of the public, whether they are already on holiday or preparing to leave, to spare a few minutes to donate blood.
“There are blood donation centres open across Cyprus. It would be good for people to visit a centre and devote 15 minutes of their time to help save lives”, she said.
For the week of August 10-16, blood donation centres will operate as follows:
Nicosia – Engomi Health Centre
Monday-Friday: 07:30-20:00
Saturday: Public holiday
Tel.: 22809098
Yeri Health Centre
Monday-Friday: 07:30-20:00
Saturday: Public holiday
Tel.: 22309221
Limassol – Old Hospital
Monday-Friday: 07:30-20:00
Saturday: Public holiday
Tel.: 25730277
Larnaca – General Hospital, 3rd floor, new wing
August 10-12: 07:30-20:00
August 13-14: 07:30-15:00
Saturday: Public holiday
Tel.: 24800402
Paphos – Blood Donation Centre, 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: Public holiday
Tel.: 26306409
Famagusta – Paralimni, 2 Sotiros Street
August 10, 11 and 13: 07:30-15:00
August 12: 07:30-20:00
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Public holiday
Tel.: 99287584
Further information on blood donation centres and external blood drives is available on the Blood Establishment’s Facebook page.
CNA/EC/EPH/2026