Cyprus Leads Worldwide in Voluntary Blood Donors

Cyprus has the highest percentage of voluntary blood donors per capita worldwide, according to DISY MP Prodromos Alabritis. The statement followed a discussion in the Parliamentary Committee on Labour regarding the need to institutionalize the provision of facilities to employees for blood donation purposes.

The committee discussed strengthening incentives for blood donors, such as granting leave of up to half a working day or crediting half a day's leave for each blood donation. The Ministry of Labour will examine the possibility of legislative regulation.

Additionally, other incentives were discussed, such as honorary events, coverage of transportation costs, and discount coupons. DIKO MP Pavlos Mylonas stated that they are close to an agreement with social partners to provide incentives.

The session also discussed a bill for a special leave of 7 days without pay for employees undergoing medically assisted reproduction procedures, with the Ministry of Labour examining the proposal.