Alpha News

Lost Graft for 38-Year-Old: Demands for Solutions and 24/7 Alertness from OAY

Published February 12, 2026, 12:35

The Minister of Health has ordered an investigation into a lost graft for a 38-year-old patient intended for transplantation in Athens because air transport was not possible within the required timeframe. The Minister of Energy (former Minister of Health), Michalis Damianou, commented that it is crucial to be able to respond in such cases, while referring the OAY (Health Insurance Organisation) to find solutions. The incident concerns a 38-year-old patient in urgent need of a transplant. Despite finding a suitable graft, the delay in air transport led to its loss. The OAY has already responded, describing the efforts made to transport the patient. The President of the Health Committee, Efthymios Diplaros, expressed his anger at the situation and called for a detailed investigation to determine responsibilities. He stressed the need for immediate cooperation between agencies, given that patients wait years for a graft. This incident adds to previous complaints regarding the operation of the Larnaca General Hospital, such as the prolonged non-operation of the sterilisation oven.