Surge in Flu Cases in the TRNC: Hospitals Operating at Full Capacity

Northern Cyprus is experiencing a significant increase in cases of seasonal flu and winter infections, with intensive care unit (ICU) beds in both public and private hospitals nearly full. Healthcare professionals and politicians are urging the government to implement immediate preventative measures, including reinstating mask mandates in medical facilities.

The Cyprus Turkish Doctors’ Union (Tıp-İş) has led calls for urgent action. Özlem Gürkut, president of Medical-Labour, criticized the Ministry of Health for not providing or even possessing accurate data on infection rates, hospital admissions, and ICU capacity.

“It is evident that ICU beds in both public and private hospitals are operating at almost 100% capacity. On some days, there aren’t enough available beds,” Gürkut stressed.

Gürkut also noted the growing number of patients seeking emergency care with high fevers and respiratory infections. She proposed establishing dedicated infectious disease clinics to reduce the risk of cross-infection among patients and to ensure emergency services can function without disruption.

She emphasized the importance of strengthening personal protective measures, particularly for high-risk groups. These include children under 2 years old, individuals over 65, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems, residents of collective living facilities such as nursing homes, and healthcare workers.

Independent TRNC Member of Parliament Ceyla Refik Rogers has also urged the Ministry of Health’s Infection Control Committee to make mask-wearing mandatory for visitors in hospital wards and for patients attending outpatient clinics.

It’s worth noting that a similar critical situation is unfolding in the Republic of Cyprus, where hospitals are overwhelmed by a rise in viral respiratory infections. Tragically, four patients have already lost their lives to these illnesses.