Cyprus, Greece seek organ donation accord

The signing of an agreement between Cyprus and Greece on organ donation and transplants was at the centre of discussions between the country’s Health Ministers in Athens.

At Tuesday’s meeting between Health Minister Popi Kanari and her Greek counterpart, Michalis Chrysochoidis, they decided to finalise an agreement on organ donation and transplants.

The agreement’s main goal is to foster cooperation between the two countries to promote organ donation and enhance accessibility to transplants for patients, focusing on implementing the procedure for cross-border kidney transplants.

Once the terms of the agreement are fully established and agreed upon by both parties, it will be officially signed in the Autumn.

The two ministers also exchanged views and reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering bilateral cooperation with a primary focus on safeguarding and promoting the health of their citizens.

Specifically, discussions revolved around implementing prevention programmes, promoting health awareness, early detection of chronic diseases, and applying population-based screening programs.

Emphasis was placed on tackling issues such as childhood obesity and smoking and the necessity of exchanging expertise in this area.

Additionally, they addressed medication shortages, issues concerning economic sustainability, organisation, and operation of the healthcare systems of both countries and the significant challenge posed by the shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses.