The medical and scientific community in Cyprus is in an uproar following the tragic news of the death of popular singer Giorgos Mazonakis, who reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during plasmapheresis treatment at an unlicensed center in Kolonaki. Speaking on the Alpha Enimerosi program, Michalis Anastasiadis, Chairman of the Ethics Committee of the Cyprus Medical Association, described the serious risks inherent in such treatment “when it does not fall within the framework and institutions of medical science.”
“From time to time, we have identified and reported to the police specific self-proclaimed healers who employ methods that exploit the pain and anguish of patients or their relatives. From what I see and understand from media reports, this was also the issue raised by the popular artist, but the exact cause of death will be determined by the autopsy and the investigations into the case.”
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Mr. Anastasiades did not hide his concern over the fact that such treatments appear to be carried out in Cyprus as well, citing as an example a center in the Larnaca area that promised “detoxification” from COVID-19 vaccines and attracted clients even from abroad.
“Such a serious therapeutic procedure cannot be performed without the proper resources or equipment. We’re talking about criminal acts.”
READ ALSO: “Centers have recently opened, and the method has been publicized”: What Koumas says about plasmapheresis in Cyprus
Dr. Anastasiadis emphasizes that the use of unapproved medical practices or preparations is extremely dangerous and that, most likely, they will not produce the desired result for a patient. Such “pseudo-therapies” are widely advertised online and are usually referred to as:
- Alternative therapies
- Holistic medicine
- Energy medicine
- Quantum medicine
- Ozone therapy
- Herbal Preparations
“Plasmapheresis is a specific treatment provided in approved facilities by well-trained doctors and nurses who monitor the patients. It is a very serious therapeutic procedure. That is why I am pointing out that the treatments advertised online are quackery.”
READ ALSO: “It may expose the individual to risks”: What the Nephrology Society says about plasmapheresis without a clear medical indication
The Chair of the Ethics Committee of the Pan-Cyprian Medical Association stated that to date, the PMA has filed numerous complaints with the police regarding cases that come to its attention, either through the internet or through complaints from the public. However, the Association has no authority to investigate or impose disciplinary sanctions when the complaints do not involve its members.
“However, there are isolated cases involving our members who have been reported, investigated, and are currently facing legal proceedings. We do not have the ability to monitor what takes place in every setting. However, if it is determined that a doctor is using a practice or pharmaceutical method that is not scientifically substantiated, we take appropriate action. If a criminal offense is involved, it constitutes medical negligence. Therefore, the disciplinary offense is no longer considered as serious.”
READ ALSO: Matsakis on Mazonakis: The statement regarding cardiac arrest is unsatisfactory and raises questions about the cause of death
Mr. Anastasiadis urged citizens “to be doubly and triply careful about where they turn” to find solutions to chronic health problems.
“They are promised traditional or new treatments that will not help them and will put them at serious risk and cause their condition to worsen significantly. We’ve had cases of cancer patients who turned to such treatments.”
When asked about reports in the Greek media regarding the center where Giorgos Mazonakis sought treatment—which is said to have been operating for over 15 years— the Chair of the PIS Ethics Committee replied that “If someone watches one of the videos online featuring this doctor who is allegedly involved, is it possible to be convinced by all the promises he makes?”
SEE ALSO: What is plasmapheresis: How and why is the procedure performed that Mazonakis had scheduled before the fatal incident?
