Sixteen people from Cyprus — eight patients and their eight escorts — are currently in Israel, according to the Health Insurance Agency.
Monika Kyriakou told local media that the Health Insurance Agency is in continuous contact with the hospitals where the patients are receiving treatment, as well as with the Embassy of Cyprus in Israel to coordinate the procedures required for their repatriation.
So far, two families have expressed a wish to return to Cyprus, while arrangements have already been made for the return of three additional patients.
Necessary consultations have also taken place with hospitals in Cyprus so that the patients can continue their treatment once they return.
However, Kyriakou said the next step depends on receiving authorisation from Israeli authorities for the medical evacuation flights.
According to the latest information, the relevant approval is unlikely to be granted on Wednesday, making it possible that the first medical evacuation could take place on Thursday if conditions allow.
Hospitals in both Cyprus and Israel, along with the company responsible for the medical evacuation flights, are on full standby to proceed with the transfers as soon as the necessary approval is granted.
Kyriakou noted that the timing of the operation depends largely on the status of the airspace and expressed hope that restrictions would not affect aircraft transporting patients to European destinations.
She also said that, for the time being, new patients from Cyprus cannot be sent to Israel for treatment as had previously been the case.
Coordination has already taken place with Greece and other countries so that they are ready to receive patients if necessary in the coming period, she added.