The issue of substandard medical centers and the controversial alternative therapies being advertised remains at the center of current events in Cyprus as well. Moreover, law enforcement authorities are continuing their investigation into a specific center in Larnaca that is alleged to have performed plasmapheresis treatments without the required license.
Speaking on the subject during the “Alpha News” program and referring to the background of the entire case, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides, said that last September, the Ministry received specific information regarding the performance of plasmapheresis procedures at a particular center, which did not have a license to operate as a private clinic.
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The very next day, Ministry inspectors visited the facility in question, where an inspection was conducted, and three days later, the Ministry’s inspection report was completed.
The Ministry then filed a complaint with the police, and on the same day sent a letter to the management of the center under investigation, requesting the immediate suspension of all blood-letting procedures. Meanwhile, the Minister himself issued instructions to conduct a broader survey of centers that may provide similar therapeutic services within 15 days.
Seven days later, a new meeting was held at the Ministry of Health to assess the progress of the mapping, and on September 25, another inspection was conducted at the center under investigation. During this second on-site inspection, it was determined that no plasma collection procedures were being performed.
On September 28, a new meeting was held at the Ministry of Health to mark the completion of the mapping deadline. As part of the mapping process, however, the Ministry utilized information gathered both from the internet and from the public.
To date, as the Minister stated, on-site inspections are being conducted based on the results of this mapping exercise; in fact, a specific program of on-site inspections has been drawn up, which is currently underway and is expected to be completedsoon.
Regarding the possibility of legislative gaps in this area, Mr. Charalambidis clarified that if any legislative gaps are identified, the Ministry will take all necessary measures to address them.
