A massive investigation was launched following the death of Giorgos Mazonakis at a private clinic in Kolonaki. The discussion centers on plasmapheresis, as well as the treatments currently on the market that promise everything from detoxification and anti-aging to cures for serious illnesses.
He describes the use of plasmapheresis and other medical methods for “wellness” as “tragicomic” and “criminal,” said Alexis Rambotas, a hematologist and Academic Clinical Lecturer at the Institute of Cancer Research at University College London and University College London Hospital, speaking on the Alpha News program.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“We cannot prejudge the cause of Mr. Mazonakis’s death or what exactly happened. And the mere fact that such a serious medical procedure was performed on a person without medical justification is criminal. In all likelihood, many other people have died, but we simply don’t know about them. So, this is something we must, at the very least, address in order to protect other people and ensure that something like this never happens again.”
Dr. Rambotas explains how a drug is developed, how it is tested, and how it eventually comes to be used routinely in patients, noting that clinical trials and procedures are conducted to ensure that the drug or treatment can be safely administered according to specific guidelines and indications.
He also stressed that everyone—doctors, patients, or citizens—should report instances of inappropriate methods.
He also points out that if someone had discovered the “elixir of youth,” they would have patented it and become a trillionaire; everyone would know of its existence, and it would be used to prevent age-related diseases.
It is also deplorable that, in some cases, patients with cancer or other serious illnesses are exploited, preventing them from receiving the appropriate medical treatment, which is both revolutionary and produces impressive results.
The Limits of “Quackery”
Pulmonologist and President of the Hellenic Thoracic Society, Haris Armeftis, points out that every doctor is obligated to practice medicine in accordance with international guidelines, emphasizing that when a doctor begins to develop their own theories and practices, they enter the realm of quackery.
“Every doctor is held accountable for what they prescribe, where they practice, and how they practice medicine, because they must first and foremost ensure conditions that do not endanger their patient’s life, must keep abreast of current scientific developments, and must exercise restraint not only in prescribing but also in their practices within their field of medicine and specialty.”
He also points out that there are guidelines regarding the setting in which a medical procedure must be performed, taking into account that complications may arise and that all necessary precautions must be in place.
“Imagine being on a certain floor—the third floor of a building— an invasive medical procedure is being performed, and there’s no elevator—or cases where the elevator is too small to fit a stretcher, so they have to bring a patient down after a cardiac arrest in a wheelchair.”
“It’s tragic to have to say these things, but they happen,” the doctor states.
“And I think it’s time for the authorities—the Ministry of Health—to investigate where this is happening, what’s going on, who is advertising, and what is being promoted to the public, because we have a duty to defend and protect public health. Otherwise, every so often, we’ll have to issue reports because a tragic incident has occurred.”
Who regulates wellness centers?
Attorney Marios Spyrou explains that there are laws in place and urges citizens to file complaints so that cases can be investigated.
“There are various laws that essentially regulate different issues.For example, there are laws regarding medications used by people, laws governing medical facilities, and laws governing doctors.”
“The ability to take action exists; it is possible to prosecute offenders whenever and wherever violations are detected, but anyone who studies the laws will find that each agency is responsible for its own area,” he adds.
“There is no single law that grants broad authority to a government agency to actually oversee both the operation of a private hospital and the medications used there, as well as whether. For this unified oversight to take place, cooperation among the various agencies is necessary, because their legislation “restricts” them from conducting certain investigations or taking measures in accordance with the law.”
“Complaints must be filed immediately whenever potential irregularities are identified or there are suspicions that a doctor is acting outside the bounds of medical science or that someone is using medications that are notapproved by the pharmaceutical authorities,” he emphasizes.
What is required for a medical device to operate legally?
Dr. Zoe Pana, Professor and Dean of the University of Nicosia School of Medicine, explains that when a device receives approval from the relevant authority, what happens is that only the technical aspects of the device are checked to certify that it can properly perform the specific procedure.
“A machine may have received approval regarding its technical specifications, but that does not mean it can be used in any way, for any purpose, or in any setting.”
He points out that the second stage of authorization varies depending on whether we are talking about Greece or Cyprus, and is handled by the respective authorities. He explains that in Greece, the relevant regional authority grants a license to the specific center or facility so that it can use this legally approved machine to perform the work it is authorized to do.
“So, if—speaking of Greece—the regional authority does not grant a license for the use of this machine at a center, then the doctor or anyone else continues to operate illegally.”
He also adds that some machines can be used in various ways and with different methodologies.
“What people need to know is that, at least based on the medicine we practice—which is evidence-based medicine— there are very clear protocols that specify both the procedure and the indications that we, as doctors, must follow. So, for example, with regard to plasmapheresis, there are clinical guidelines from the Greek Ministry of Health—which are also posted on their website—stating that this machine may only be used for specific conditions based on the evidenceevidence and the guidelines we have.”
He emphasizes that not just anyone can claim to have a legitimate machine and use it however they please.
“The initial inspection we mentioned is being carried out because there is now a European regulation that, fortunately, has begun to be strictly enforced, and in Cyprus, of course, there is a corresponding team that falls under the Ministry of Health,” he concludes.
