Cyprus’s first National Poison Centre to begin operations on 1 January 2027

Cyprus’s National Poison Centre, the first service of its kind in the country, will begin operations on 1 January 2027. The announcement was made by Riana Constantinou, director of the Ambulance Service.

The centre will be located at the Ambulance Service’s coordination centre and will operate around the clock, seven days a week. Residents will have a dedicated telephone number where they can receive advice on medication dosages, as well as in cases of chemical exposure and injuries. “Citizens will have a dedicated number at their disposal for calls concerning medication dosages, chemical exposure or injuries, and will receive proper instructions and advice,” Constantinou said.

Medical professionals will also be able to contact the centre. According to Constantinou, specialists, hospitals and first-aid services will consult the centre in order to manage poisoning cases based on international data.

The calls will concern medicines, cleaning products, chemicals, pesticides, plants, mushrooms and bites from venomous animals. The centre will assess the severity of the poisoning and recommend whether home observation is sufficient or the patient should be taken to an emergency department. Until now, Cyprus has not had such a service, while in similar cases the timing, accurate identification of the substance and initial actions directly affect the outcome.

Until the centre launches, in the event of poisoning, people should continue to call 112 or the Ambulance Service on 22 887 171. The centre’s dedicated number has not yet been announced: operations will be rolled out in stages, with the range of services gradually expanded and the public informed.