Amid the frenzy of quackery and the broader concern surrounding the activities of controversial centers that offer a range of scientifically unsubstantiated therapies, Cyprus is also in the midst of this turmoil, in the wake of the tragic death of Giorgos Mazonakis.
Speaking on the subject, the President of the Hellenic Medical Association (PIS), Dr. Petros Agathangelou, said on the “Alpha Kalimera” show that the phenomenon is multifaceted and has been on the rise recently for various reasons.
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“We live in the age of digital technology, of innovative methods that are marketed with claims of rejuvenation, etc.”
Mr. Agathangelou clarified that when we speak of scientifically validated treatments, these are the ones recognized by regulatory agencies such as the U.S. FDA and the European EMA. These evidence-based therapies, however, “coexist with non-evidence-based therapies that use the term ‘alternative,’ which do not follow the process of evidence-based science and the studies that scientifically validated therapies undergo.”
“You are what you say you are. There is an ‘exploitation’ through the promotion of so-called therapies that also prey on human suffering.”
These alternative therapies, said Mr. Agathangelou, “are beginning to adopt terms such as, for example, ‘regenerative medicine.’ “What does that mean? How is it defined?” he asked.
These terms, he added, “stem from the coexistence of many specialties and many approaches.”
Commenting on the term that has been gaining prominence lately—that of “quantum medicine”—Mr. Agathangelou said that any term containing the word “natural” does not automatically imply safety.
The term “medicine” associated with any innovative technology “does not mean that it is the fundamental principle behind the effectiveness of treatments,” he emphasized, before adding: “Are there regulatory bodies that oversee alternative medicine? Where does the training take place? Is it done remotely?”
Referring to the doctor who was arrested in Athens in connection with the death of Giorgos Mazonakis, Mr. Agathangelou said that he himself does not dare to say “that she is a doctor, because that would be the culmination of the discrediting of the medical profession in its broadest sense.”
“The loss of a popular artist has brought to light certain issues that are timeless, but have simply been flourishing lately through online promotion and, in particular, the commercial promotion of so-called miracle cures.”
In any case, the Pan-Cyprian Medical Association made it clear that “it will not make any concessions.”
“We will be relentless toward any colleagues involved in such unlicensed, unapproved centers that perform high-risk treatments.”
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