Sixteen Cypriots, comprising eight patients and their eight escorts, are currently in Israel, as confirmed by the Health Insurance Agency.
- Sixteen Cypriots, comprising eight patients and their eight escorts, are currently in Israel, as confirmed by the Health Insurance Agency.
Monika Kyriakou, a representative from the Agency, stated that they are in continuous communication with the hospitals where these patients are receiving treatment. They are also coordinating closely with the Embassy of Cyprus in Israel to facilitate the necessary arrangements for their repatriation.
Medical evacuation: Efforts to Return Patients
So far, two families have indicated their desire to return to Cyprus, while plans are already underway for the return of three additional patients. Necessary consultations have been held with hospitals back home in Cyprus to ensure that the patients can continue their treatment upon arrival.
Awaiting Authorisation for Evacuations
Kyriakou mentioned that the next steps depend largely on receiving the required authorisation from Israeli authorities for medical evacuation flights. Current information suggests that approval is unlikely to be granted on Wednesday, potentially delaying the evacuations until Thursday, subject to conditions.
Preparations in Place for Transfer
Hospitals in both Cyprus and Israel, alongside the company managing the medical evacuation flights, are prepared to execute the transfers as soon as the necessary approvals are obtained. Kyriakou expressed hope that restrictions on airspace would not impede the transportation of patients to European destinations.
Impact on New Patients
For the moment, no new patients from Cyprus are being sent to Israel for treatment, a change from previous practices. Coordination has already been established with Greece and other countries to ensure readiness for potential patient transfers in the near future.
