Cyprus authorities consider using state aviation for emergency patient transport abroad

The Cyprus government is exploring the possibility of using state-owned aircraft to transport patients for medical treatment abroad. The President has already discussed this issue with representatives of the "Social Alliance for the Citizen" during a meeting this week.

According to sources, a meeting between the Head of State and the Ministers of Defense and Transport is planned in the near future to assess whether relevant services can participate in medical evacuation processes. Official announcements are expected if a positive decision is reached.

The issue became particularly urgent following a recent case where a patient was not transported to Greece in time for a lung transplant because a private foreign company was unable to provide transport within medically acceptable timeframes.

Patient organizations have previously emphasized the need for an aircraft based in Cyprus and ready for emergency flights.