The PIS is ready to inspect doctors working at licensed and unlicensed medical centers in Cyprus, following a survey of these facilities, said its President, Petros Agathangelou, who spoke of a phenomenon of “quackery” that must be addressed, as well as misinformation spread through social media and the direct commercial promotion of health services and products, which has created a new and particularly complex environment for citizens.
At the same time, in response to journalists’ questions about a center in Larnaca that is reportedly operating without the necessary licenses, he noted that the Ministry of Health is responsible for deciding whether or not the center may operate, while regarding a doctor at the center in question who is reportedly using the PIS logo, he stated that instructions have been given to the association’s legal counsel to look into the matter.
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Mr. Agathangelou, who was speaking during a PIS press conference on Wednesday, said that today a wide range of services and treatments are being promoted using terms such as “innovative,”, “regenerative,” “anti-aging,” “longevity,” “detox,” “holistic,” or “alternative,” while at the same time pharmaceuticals and other formulations, injectable products, biological substances, and services accompanied by therapeutic or diagnostic claims.
The issue, he said, is not the name of a treatment nor innovation in and of itself. Medicine, he added, evolves precisely because scientific knowledge evolves and new therapeutic possibilities are constantly being developed and evaluated.
“The crucial question is whether what is offered to the public is based on sufficient scientific evidence, provided by appropriately trained professionals, uses legally approved and appropriate products and equipment, is administered under safe conditions, and is presented in a truthful and non-misleading manner,” he noted. He noted that “it is particularly important to distinguish between an established medical procedure and its use for indications for which there is no corresponding scientific evidence.”
He cited plasmapheresis as a prime example, noting that it is an established therapeutic method for specific indications.
Mr. Agathangelou said that, together with the Pharmaceutical Services, they will launch an awareness campaign to provide accurate information and encourage citizens to think critically about the centers they visit and the preparations are sold to them. He called on citizens to file complaints with the PIS, noting that the Pan-Cyprian Medical Association considers it its institutional responsibility to actively contribute to providing accurate information, prevention, and enhancing patient safety, and welcomes the actions taken by the Ministry of Health, with which they collaborate.
“The goal is to help the public distinguish evidence-based medicine from unsubstantiated therapeutic claims, to remind the medical community of its scientific, ethical, and legal obligations, and to strengthen cooperation between the PIS and the relevant government and regulatory authorities, as well as other organizations.”
Michalis Anastasiadis, Secretary of the PIS, said that a coordinated and synchronized response is needed to combat the illegal activities of certain individuals who employ various methods to profit at the expense of unsuspecting. “We will insist on the adoption of effective measures that will curb the unchecked actions of opportunists,” he added.
There are many agencies with different responsibilities defined by law in the health sector: medications, medical equipment, and the adequacy of infrastructure for providing medical services—and cooperation is needed, Mr. Anastasiadis noted. He added that the PIS does not shirk its own responsibilities or those of other agencies in addressing unacceptable practices, but believes that we must trust the institutions and stands in solidarity with patients, the Patient Ombudsman, and the Ministry of Health, while also calling on citizens to minimize these incidents as much as possible.
Plasma donation is safe under the right conditions
George Miltiadou, Chair of the PIS Scientific Committee, stated that plasmapheresis is a life-saving medical procedure and that there should be no fear regarding its use in treating many pathological, hematological, neurological, and other conditions. It is primarily performed by nephrologists in collaboration with other specialties, he explained.
He also said that the operating license and certificates required by each medical center must be displayed in a visible location so that the public can verify them.
Andreas Kourouklaris, President of the Cyprus Nephrology Society, stated that plasmapheresis, when performed under the right conditions and with the proper infrastructure, is a safe treatment, and urged patients who are already undergoing this treatment to continue doing so. He assured patients who will be recommended to undergo plasmapheresis in hospital settings with medical teams that it is safe and there is no cause for concern.
In his remarks, Pambos Papadopoulos, speaking on behalf of OSAC and who was present at the press conference, said that the roles of the institutions must be clear and strictly defined in the effort to ensure patient safety
Legal advice for a doctor allegedly using the PIS logo in Larnaca
Responding to reporters’ questions about a medical center in Larnaca that is allegedly operating without the necessary licenses, Mr. Agathangelou said that the Ministry of Health is responsible for deciding whether the center can operate or not until the legal proceedings are completed. The PIS, he noted, can investigate whether there are unlicensed doctors at operating centers, and when it was brought to their attention that there is a doctor at this specific center using the PIS logo, the association’s leadership expressed surprise atthis, stating that instructions had been given to the PIS legal counsel to examine the matter.
Petros Agathangelou added that they would work with the Ministry of Health to review the legal aspects and identify any loopholes to ensure that the legal process is not again left incomplete due to insufficient evidence. He generally urged member physicians not to succumb to commercial offers that could lead them into trouble and to be very careful about whom they work with, because if the facility is not licensed, “it means you are an accomplice and an accessory.”
“We have a cell that has a biological cycle which cannot possibly be altered by any intervention unless you perform gene therapy, and we have not yet reached the stage of precision medicine in this area, said Mr. Agathangelou.
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Source: KYPE
