Cyprus hails life-saving kidney cross-transplants with Israel

Cyprus’ Health Minister Michael Damianos on Monday hailed the finding of eight kidney cross-transplant pairs between Cyprus and Israel.

He explained that the implementation of an agreement between the countries allowed for three kidney recipients in Cyprus and five in Israel to be matched with donors from the ‘opposite’ country, thus allowing all eight to receive transplants.

The eight transplants organised is, he said, the “largest ever” chain of transplants organised in Cyprus.

“The cross-transplants programme enables incompatible donor and recipient couples to exchange kidneys, ensuring compatibility and offering hope for life. With two simultaneous chains, a total of eight couples are participating in this laudable effort,” he said.

“This procedure gives people who otherwise did not have a compatible donor an opportunity to receive the gift of life,” and that cross-transplant programmes increase the success rate of organ donations.

He went on to emphasise the importance of organ donations, describing them as “an act of humanity and altruism which offers life to those in need”.

“The selfless giving of organ donors saves lives and improves patients’ quality of life,” he said.

In addition, he said a similar cross-transplant initiative was now being sought with Greece.

He also pointed out that the Nicosia general hospital’s transplant centre has now been open for two years, saying that the centre’s existence “confirms our commitment to providing high-quality health services”.

“This clinic is a jewel for public health, offering crucial support for patients with chronic kidney disease.”