Okypy and the private hospital are in the spotlight following the allegations made by former Health Minister and Member of Parliament Giorgos Pamporidis. According to the allegations made by the DISY MP, both the private clinic and Nicosia General Hospital refused to admit a patient suffering from postoperative complications that arose following a series of surgeries the patient underwent at the private clinic, citing a lack of beds.
“These practices are reprehensible, and the ‘medical professionals’ involved have no place in the General Healthcare System (GeSY).” I have already brought the evidence to the attention of the Health Services Ombudsman and will report the incident to the Patient Ombudsman immediately. If this particular patient passes away, I believe the issue of criminal liability for all those involved will arise. This includes both medical and administrative staff. Those who do not respect patients have no place in our healthcare system.” George Pamporidis
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
OKYPY responds with pointed criticism of the private sector. The private sector’s practice of taking on cases involving postoperative or other complications is a common occurrence for public hospitals, it states, while clarifying at the same time that the specialists at Nicosia General Hospital have never refused to provide the necessary medical care.
“During the evaluation of the incident, it was noted that, provided it was medically feasible and safe, continuing the patient’s care under the supervision of the clinic and the medical team that had performed the surgeries was the appropriate choice in terms of continuity of care, given their direct knowledge of her medical history and previous surgeries.” OKYPY
George Pamporidis took up the gauntlet and responded to the agency.
“You drafted a long-winded ‘response’ to tell us that, in fact, this particular patient was never admitted to Nicosia General Hospital, and that she was transported twice to your Emergency Department! I suggest you spend your time on the matters assigned to you by the state, and let’s discuss the rest of the ‘public relations’ issues where they belong (very soon).” George Pamporidis
The organization, however, pointed the finger at the private sector, noting that a medical facility that undertakes and performs specific procedures must have the appropriate infrastructure, staffing, and the capacity to safely manage the cases it undertakes and any complications that may reasonably arise from the services provided.
“The broader issue that arises concerns the conditions under which specialized services are provided by hospitals within the GESY. The question that arises is: under what conditions do hospitals operate within the GESY, and how is it possible for a Category A1 hospital to perform surgeries, but be unable to manage any complications that may arise from them?” OKYPY
Sources at the private hospital, however, told Alpha that the physician determined the case should be managed by various specialists, such as infectious disease specialists, plastic surgeons, and orthopedic surgeons—all of whom are available at Nicosia General Hospital. This is why, as the clinic claims, the patient was referred to Nicosia General Hospital. According to the same source, the patient was admitted to the private clinic today, and surgery has been scheduled.
Watch the report by Nasia Ioannou
