In recent years, social media has been flooded with advertisements and posts promoting controversial alternative treatments for wellness, anti-aging, and beauty. Following the death of popular singer Giorgos Mazonakis at an unlicensed medical center in Kolonaki during a plasmapheresis procedure, it has come to light that in Cyprus, so-called healthcare professionals and service facilities are not subject to any oversight by the relevant government agencies, as they do not fall under any legal framework.
Speaking on the Alpha Kalimera show, Thanos Sitistas—founder of Greece Fact Check and research associate at CUT, as part of Fact Check Cyprus—spoke of “justified uproar” and “chaos” in Greece and Cyprus caused by the untimely death of the 54-year-old artist, and he emphasized the need to “put an end” to unregulated treatments.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Mr. Sitistas explained that any self-proclaimed doctor “formally” cannot be regulated by the relevant government agencies, however, they reserve the right to issue statements and warn the public about services or treatments that are not scientifically substantiated. He emphasized that citizens can decide on the appropriate treatment they wish to pursue after first consulting their personal physician, rather than advertisers, influencers, and other opportunists. The founder of Greece Fact Check emphasized the responsibility of government agencies to monitor those who promote or administer such treatments, especially since they do so publicly through posts, presentations, and seminars.
“A doctor who does this must tell the patient that there is no scientific evidence to support it, and from there on, it’s up to each person to decide what to do. These charlatans usually operate on the fringes of legality. They talk about wellness, for example. That isn’t illegal. They don’t promise a cure; they promise to provide a little wellness. They play with words. If they talk about prevention or treatment, they should be held accountable. Only a doctor can make that claim.”
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