Blood supplies are expected to face significant pressure next week due to an increase in surgeries and transfusions planned ahead of the Christmas holidays, head of the blood bank, Androula Panayiotou, said on Saturday.

Speaking to CNA, Panayiotou reassured that while the current supply is marginal, “we are not in any immediate danger.” However, she emphasised the need to bolster reserves. “We have blood, but the levels are precarious,” she said.

Panayiotou explained that the daily demand for blood is between 300 and 350 units, but donations fall short, averaging only 220 donors per day. To address this, efforts are focused on maximising collections during weekends, as it is harder to build up supplies during the workweek.

Blood donations will be available to carry out across the country this weekend as well as the next, according to Panayiotou.

This weekend, the Engomi blood donation station will be open between 8am until 3pm, as will the one in Limassol.

On Sunday, Limassol’s blood donation stations will be in Zakaki Aez club from 9.30am until 11.30am, while in Larnaca it will be at Bergina lyceum from 10am until 12pm.

In Famagusta, blood donations will be available at the ‘Panayia Eleousi’ church in Liopetri between 3-6pm.

Panayiotou appealed to the public to donate blood ahead of the Christmas holidays to ensure that critical medical needs are met without interruptions.