The dark past of the medical center in Aradippou stretches back many years; it has come under scrutiny following a public complaint by Marinos Sotiriou regarding a patient of his who ended up in the ICU after undergoing an illegal plasmapheresis procedure.
“This center was established and operated during the COVID-19 pandemic and promised treatments to patients suffering from chronic symptoms.” Marinos Sotiriou, Director of the American Medical Center
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
July 30, 2022
The first alarm bells rang for the center on July 30, 2022, following reports that patients from all over Europe were undergoing illegal treatments using a machine to remove plasma and human cells that were being transported from Ukraine and Slovakia.
A raid by the Ministry of Health followed.
“A team of three inspectors was dispatched, and that center had been shut down, and the case had been reported to the police.” Karolina Stylianou, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health
Victims of the controversial experimental treatments, which cost up to 50,000 euros, included dozens of foreign nationals.
Statement, August 1, 2022
See how they lured unsuspecting citizens.
“It was truly amazing. The difference for me, within 10 days of starting the treatment, is astronomical! I can do everyday things. I can handle my daily tasks on my own.”
Despite the temporary shutdown, the center continued to operate simply by changing its name, illegally offering the same treatments.
“From time to time, we have reported to the police specific self-proclaimed therapists who use certain methods and exploit the pain and distress of patients.” Michalis Anastasiadis, Chair of the Ethics Committee of the Panhellenic Medical Association
And as time went on, in November 2023, the Ministry of Health sent a letter to the police requesting an investigation into the complaint, the outcome was entirely in the Cypriot style. The case was closed.
“The case was investigated by the police, and after the investigation was completed, the file was forwarded to the Legal Service. The review did not reveal sufficient evidence to establish criminal offenses.”
February 15, 2024
A few months later, specifically on February 15, 2024, the medical center was the target of a bomb attack, resulting in damage to its front entrance.
“Under cover of darkness, at around 1 a.m., an explosive device was placed at the entrance of a medical center in Aradippou. This is a clinic that provided alternative treatments to patients with long COVID as well as chronic conditions.”
Watch the report by Christoforos Nestoros
