Cypriot Man Misses Lung Transplant Opportunity Due to Transfer Delay

A family in Cyprus is expressing their distress after a 38-year-old patient missed a critical lung transplant opportunity. A compatible lung was located in Athens after a year-long wait, but immediate air ambulance transport was not possible.

According to the patient's mother, on February 2nd, the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center notified them of an available lung. However, a suitable aircraft for transporting the patient from Cyprus to Athens could not be found. As a result of the delay, the lung was given to another patient.

The patient's mother emphasized the need for better coordination and adequate air ambulance resources for emergency situations. The Minister of Health has ordered an investigation into the incident. Monica Kyriakou from the HIO stated that attempts were made to contact five companies, but none could respond immediately. The HIO has requested assistance from the Ministry of Defense to provide aircraft for such cases.

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Health Committee, Efthymios Diplaros, spoke of negligence and is demanding answers from the Ministry of Health.