The process of conducting eight simultaneous cross-kidney transplants is underway this morning as part of a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Israel under an Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding. Of these transplants, three will take place in Cyprus and five in Israel, marking the largest chain of cross-transplants ever conducted in Cyprus.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, the donated kidneys from Israel arrived at the Transplant Clinic of Nicosia General Hospital shortly after 1:00 PM, with the procedures expected to be completed by late afternoon.

At a press conference earlier today, Health Minister Michalis Damianos highlighted the significance of this day for public health in Cyprus, emphasizing the importance of cross-transplants for patients with chronic kidney disease. This initiative allows incompatible donor-recipient pairs to exchange kidneys, increasing the chances of compatibility and offering more patients the opportunity to receive the life-saving gift of a kidney.

Mr. Damianos also commended the outstanding work being done at the Transplant Clinic of Nicosia General Hospital, where approximately 35 transplants have been performed annually over the past two years. The Minister expressed his gratitude to the medical staff in Cyprus and the specialized surgeons involved in this effort, as well as to the organ donors whose dedication and courage bring hope and life to patients in need.

The Ministry of Health, he noted, is also promoting a similar cross-transplant agreement with Greece to further increase the chances of finding compatible donors for our fellow citizens in need.

Dr. Christina Giannaki, the Director General of the Ministry of Health, emphasized that today is an exceptionally important day for the medical field in our country. She expressed her hope that all procedures would go smoothly and highlighted that the Ministry of Health will intensify its efforts to support those on the transplant waiting list.