The strengthening and institutionalization of the dialogue between the Government and the Pan-Cyprian Medical Association (PIS), as well as issues concerning the oversight of health services provided, were the focus of a meeting between the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, and the PIS Board of Directors at the Presidential Palace; meanwhile, according to information from a reliable source, plans are underway to impose stricter penalties for the unauthorized practice of medicine.
In welcoming the President and members of the PIS Board of Directors, President Christodoulides emphasized the need to strengthen and institutionalize dialogue with the Association.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“Health, like Education, is one of the most important sectors in which we invest as a state,” he said, adding that this is also reflected in the state budget.
Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides also attended the meeting.
According to information from a reliable source, one of the legislative amendments being proposed concerns the unauthorized practice of medicine—that is, the performance of medical procedures by individuals who are not doctors.
One of the proposals that has been put forward—and which has received a positive response—concerns the imposition of stricter penalties for the unauthorized practice of medicine. According to the same sources, for this regulation to move forward, an amendment to the Medical Practitioners Law is required, with the proposal modeled after the stricter penalties enacted in Greece.
A similar issue arises in cases involving individuals who are doctors but do not hold a license to practice medicine in Cyprus. A doctor may hold a license to practice in one or more other countries; however, the required license must be obtained in each country where the profession is practiced.
Such cases are currently under investigation, and, according to the same source, it is believed that it is time for Cyprus to also implement corresponding stricter penalties.
In remarks made as he was leaving the Presidential Palace, PIS President Petros Agathangelou described the meeting as “useful and highly constructive,” noting that they discussed both current issues and broader matters concerning how health policies are implemented and safeguarded.
As he said, the goal is to use the PIS and the scientific expertise of its members to develop scientifically grounded health strategies and policies for the safety, effectiveness, and quality of the services provided.
When asked specifically about current issues, Mr. Agathangelou said that these cannot be ignored, as they concern public health and the mechanisms for monitoring the services provided.
As he noted, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, steps are being determined regarding the issues that have come to light and the oversight of the services provided, particularly regarding so-called “alternative therapies” and unlicensed centers where such services are provided.
These services, he said, “have the potential to lead to adverse outcomes and even endanger patients’ lives.”
When asked about the President of the Republic’s position on the issue, the PIS President described it as “highly supportive.”
As he said, President Christodoulides expressed the government’s willingness to proceed with the necessary legislative measures, where required, or with other measures needed “to curb this phenomenon.”
Mr. Agathangelou also noted that the Ministry of Health has completed the mapping process and that meetings are being held with the relevant state agencies, to ensure a coordinated effort based on existing legislation and, where necessary, to implement additional regulations.
The goal, he added, is to ensure that the services provided are offered at scientifically licensed centers, based on scientifically substantiated evidence, and by appropriately trained staff.
Referring to plasmapheresis, he said that there is legislation governing the licensing of centers where medical procedures are performed, ranging from hospitals and clinics to polyclinics and day-care centers.
Mr. Agathangelou noted that it should not have taken a tragic incident involving a well-known artist to highlight the need to strengthen the oversight mechanism, emphasizing that the relevant inspections must be carried out systematically within the framework of existing legislation.
He added that, where more specific regulations are required, penalties, measures, and oversight mechanisms should be tightened.
Regarding a complaint about a center’s use of the PIS logo, Mr. Agathangelou said that the Association took immediate action and that, following the sending of a letter and the complaint, the logo was removed.
When asked about the possible involvement of PIS members, he noted that such cases would be examined by the Ethics Committee.
“We will not make any exceptions for any member against whom a complaint is filed or for whom a case is established involving unethical conduct or even a disciplinary offense,” he concluded.
Source: CNA
