The Minister of Health issued instructions for mapping centers that provide high-risk invasive treatments, ordering that the process be completed within 15 days, as Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides stated while speaking on the Alpha Enimerosi program.
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Mr. Charalambides clarifies that plasmapheresis is a medical procedure performed under specific regulations.
“We must tell the public that it is a recognized medical treatment, which for specific indications can be particularly important and even life-saving. However, it is not—and I repeat—it is not a simple wellness procedure. It is a medical procedure and must be performed, first and foremost, when there is scientific evidence to support it, secondly, by qualified professionals, and thirdly, in appropriate facilities that ensure patient safety.”
Regarding the complaint against a center that the Ministry of Health filed with the police, he states that it was made by a journalist.
“Last Thursday, I must tell you that the Ministry first received specific information regarding a facility that may be offering such services without being a licensed medical facility. The very next morning, on Friday, an on-site inspection was conducted by inspectors from the Ministry of Health. Yesterday, a report was prepared, on the basis of which we filed a complaint with the police to investigate whether any criminal offenses have been committed.”
The Minister emphasized that the Ministry will not limit itself to examining only these two cases but will conduct a broader investigation.
“I have also issued instructions to conduct a broader survey of facilities where invasive treatments are provided—treatments I would characterize as high-risk, especially when specialized medical equipment is used or for medical procedures marketed as anti-aging, detox, wellness, and so on.”
“My instructions are as follows: this mapping must be completed within 15 days, so that we know who is providing these services, where they are being provided, what their professional qualifications are, knowledge, and experience; what equipment they use; and, of course—perhaps most importantly—what capabilities they have to address a potential complication,” the Minister notes.
“At the same time, of course, I have requested a comprehensive legal and regulatory review of the existing framework, which will be evaluated. The basic principle is simple: Every invasive medical procedure must be performed for the right reasons, by the right professionals, with the right equipment, and, of course, in the appropriate setting.”
“We have a new complaint before us, which must be investigated by the competent authorities— the police, at this preliminary stage, and the legal department must assess whether any criminal offenses have been committed that would require someone to be brought to court,” he adds.
The Minister emphasizes that this was preceded by a visit by inspectors from the Ministry of Health to the center, regarding which he filed a complaint with the police, noting that a blood-drawing machine had been found on the premises.
“The investigative authorities need to verify this and take the measures that the police would take following relevant instructions that may need to be provided by the Republic’s Legal Service,” he replied when asked what would happen if any irregularities were found at a center.
Mr. Charalambides urges the public not to be misled by deceptive advertisements and emphasizes that he will do whatever is necessary to ensure public health.
