**NICOSIA** – In a significant stride towards modernising its healthcare apparatus, Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has not only witnessed the successful implementation of a "full-day" operational model across its health services but has also celebrated a series of complex organ transplantations that have offered new hope to critically ill patients. These developments, occurring against the backdrop of substantial infrastructure investments, underscore a commitment to enhancing the quality, accessibility, and continuity of medical care for the region's populace.
The impetus behind the "full-day" practice, championed by UBP General Secretary Dr. Ahmet Savaşan, is to safeguard the entitlements of both patients and the dedicated healthcare professionals who serve them. "We are renewing our health system together," Dr. Savaşan remarked, emphasizing that this shift is a pivotal element in forging a contemporary healthcare ecosystem. This initiative aims to ensure that essential medical services remain available without interruption, thereby alleviating pressure on emergency departments and providing a more consistent patient experience.
Concurrently, the TRNC is undergoing a visible transformation in its health infrastructure. The Nicosia New State Hospital, poised to be the largest healthcare facility in the region's history with a projected capacity exceeding 640 beds, is a cornerstone of these ambitious plans. Complementing this, the New Kyrenia Hospital, featuring 116 beds and five operating theatres, is nearing its final stages of completion, as is the Güzelyurt Hospital. These projects, coupled with a notable 70% expansion of the ambulance fleet and the integration of digital solutions such as an e-prescription system and an augmented central appointment line, are designed to significantly boost the capacity and efficiency of the healthcare network.
These infrastructural advancements have coincided with a remarkable medical achievement. On Wednesday, a 47-year-old patient at Near East University Hospital was declared brain dead. Following the family's compassionate consent for organ donation, a swift and meticulously coordinated operation was initiated. Working in tandem with Turkey's National Coordination Center and the TRNC Organ Transplant Coordination Board, medical teams successfully harvested vital organs.
Yesterday marked the triumphant heart transplant of a vital organ to a 29-year-old male patient, who had been awaiting a compatible match. The following day, the deceased donor's kidneys were transplanted into two male recipients, aged 43 and 62. These kidney transplantations, each lasting approximately three hours and two and a half hours respectively, have been deemed successful, with all recipients reported to be in a stable condition. While the liver was transported to the Antalya region in Turkey for transplantation, the successful procedures within the TRNC itself highlight the growing capabilities of its medical professionals and facilities.
The successful organ transplantations, especially when occurring on or around Tıp Bayramı (Medical Day) on March 14th, serve as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of medical dedication and the life-altering potential of organ donation. The coordinated efforts between transplant physicians, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Necmi Bayraktar and Dr. Hasan Birtan, and the various national and regional coordination bodies, exemplify the intricate logistical planning required for such life-saving interventions. As Northern Cyprus continues to invest in its healthcare services and infrastructure, these recent successes offer a tangible demonstration of progress and a hopeful outlook for the future of medical care in the region.