Cyprus Leads in Blood Donations, Incentives Under Review

Cyprus has the highest percentage of volunteer blood donors worldwide relative to its population, according to DISY MP Prodromos Alampritis. The Parliamentary Committee on Labour discussed the introduction of incentives for employees who donate blood.

The possibility of providing incentives or obligations for employers was discussed, to ensure employees can participate in blood donations without loss of income or employment rights. Pavlos Mylonas, a DIKO MP, suggested granting leave to public employees for blood donation, recalling the existence of a relevant circular.

Additional incentives are being considered, such as up to half a working day off for blood donors, or crediting half or a full day of leave depending on the frequency of donation. Honorary events and public awards, coverage of transportation costs, discount coupons in supermarkets, and discounts on public transport and health fees were also proposed.

Additionally, the bill proposed by Michalis Yakoumi (DIPA) for a special 7-day unpaid leave for employees undergoing medically assisted reproduction was discussed. The Ministry of Labour will examine the proposal with the aim of processing a comprehensive regulation by January.