Approximately 140 Patients in Northern Cyprus Await Organ Transplants

In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), "Organ and Tissue Donation Week" is currently being observed from November 3 to 9. Currently, around 140 people in Northern Cyprus are on the waiting list for organ transplants.

In an interview with Kıbrıs Postası, Dr. Hasan Birtan, Deputy Chief Physician at Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital, provided insight into the situation. He mentioned that the majority of patients—approximately 100-120 individuals—are in need of a kidney donation, while about 20 residents are waiting for a heart transplant.

Dr. Birtan explained that "Organ and Tissue Donation Week," held from November 3 to 9, is dedicated to increasing awareness around the need for organ donation.

Since 2019, 66 kidney transplants have been conducted in Northern Cyprus, with 34 transplants from living donors and 32 from deceased donors. Additionally, four heart transplants have been performed.

Dr. Birtan emphasized that one of the major factors contributing to the shortage of organ donors is a lack of public awareness and education efforts. He added, “Government policies have not progressed sufficiently in promoting organ donation since the Transplantation Law was enacted.”