Cyprus and Greece on Thursday signed two bilateral agreements related to organ transplants, according to Health Minister Michalis Damianou.

The first agreement focuses on cross-border kidney transplants. This will allow for the exchange of organs between the two countries in cases where a donor is incompatible with a recipient.

A donor from Cyprus or Greece who is not a match for their recipient may now exchange kidneys with a compatible pair from the other country, increasing the chances of successful transplants.

The second agreement concerns lung transplants. Under this agreement, Cypriot patients will be able to undergo lung transplants at the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center in Kallithea, Athens, which has the required expertise and infrastructure.

Additionally, the agreement allows for the transfer of organs from Cyprus to Greece’s National Transplant Organisation when they cannot be used locally, optimising the management of available organs and ensuring quicker responses to patient needs in both countries.

Damianou said the agreements “demonstrate the commitment of both countries to providing equal healthcare to all people, ensuring that no patient is left without necessary care, regardless of the rarity of their case”.

Damianou expressed his gratitude to the Greek government and health officials for their cooperation, highlighting the strong ties of friendship and solidarity between the two nations.

He added that this collaboration is an example of how the two countries can achieve more for the benefit of their people and committed to pursuing further partnerships to improve public health.