The revelations about a patient in Cyprus who had to be admitted to the intensive care unit due to complications that arose after undergoing plasmapheresis at an unlicensed center, and the concerns arising regarding compliance with protocols, licensing, and inspections, have sparked a debate in Parliament regarding potential gaps in the existing legal framework and its implementation.

The Chair of the Health Committee is preparing to introduce a motion on her own initiative so that, within the framework of parliamentary oversight, three key issues can be examined.

SAVIA ORFANIDOU—Chair of the Parliamentary Health Committee:
“For anyone to perform a medical procedure—and what exactly constitutes a medical procedure?— that is, a medical intervention, it must take place in a clinic or health center authorized by law. So, first of all: Is any health center or hospital licensed?”

The second point concerns the legislation governing the acquisition and use of medical equipment. 

SAVIA ORFANIDOU—Chair of the Parliamentary Health Committee:
“Was there a license for this, or wasn’t there? What’s the situation? And third, equally important. Are the people performing these procedures healthcare professionals who are licensed to practice—not necessarily to perform a specific medical procedure— but to practice in that specific field of healthcare?”

The medical community also emphasizes the need to thoroughly examine the issue and establish strict guidelines.

SOTIRIS KOUMAS—Hematologist / President of PASYKI: “Certainly
, for inspections to take place, there must be a defined legal framework. It’s possible that such a framework doesn’t exist at all in some areas. And this opens the door to individuals and institutions who will take advantage of people’s suffering. That will be the springboard, the starting point, so that, yes, the state can investigate and hold people accountable. “For them to be subjected to what they are subjected to means that there are gaps.”

Sotiris Koumas calls on the government to protect citizens from individuals who offer medical and therapeutic procedures that have not been scientifically approved. The Ministry of Health assures the public that adequate checks are being carried out.

Watch the report by Rafaella Stavrinou:

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