Alpha News

OAY Responds to Criticism Over Missed Lung Transplant Opportunity

Published February 11, 2026, 14:36

The Health Insurance Organization (OAY) has issued a statement regarding the case of the 38-year-old patient who missed the opportunity for a lung transplant due to delays in his air transport to Athens. The OAY states that it immediately activated all procedures for the patient's air transport, contacting five air ambulance companies and checking the availability of commercial flights, but none were available within the critical three-hour timeframe. It emphasizes that it is not involved in the medical decision to send patients abroad, but in the administrative and operational management of the process. Since October 2025, 198 cases have been sent for health services abroad, 27 of which by air ambulance.