Patient in the ICU after plasmapheresis – Allegations against illegal medical centers

Serious allegations over the operation of medical centres in Cyprus and the authorities’ inability to intervene effectively in cases of illegal or unlicensed medical practices have been raised by physician Dr Vassos Oikonomou.

Speaking on the programme “Mesimeri kai Kati”, Dr Oikonomou said more than one complaint had been filed concerning more than one medical centre in Cyprus, alleging that medical procedures were being carried out without the required legal authorisation or licensing.

He said the issue had repeatedly concerned both him and the Cyprus Medical Association and had been brought to the attention of state authorities for years, without, he claimed, a satisfactory solution being reached.

‘We tried many times’

Dr Oikonomou said that throughout his professional career he had held repeated meetings with senior state officials, including Attorneys General, police representatives and ministers, in an effort to address the issue.

According to Oikonomou, the matter had been discussed repeatedly with the competent services, with calls for coordinated action by the Law Office, Police and other relevant authorities.

He stressed that coordination was essential, arguing that it was not enough for a single service to examine complaints and that joint action by the competent authorities was required.

Complaint raises questions over intervention

Dr Oikonomou referred to a specific complaint for which, he said, there was documented correspondence.

He said he had received a letter from a competent authority concerning a case of alleged illegal medical practice. From the discussion, it appeared that the position conveyed to him was that, since no harm had been caused to the patient, there was no reason for the authorities to intervene.

Oikonomou strongly criticised that approach, arguing that a potentially dangerous and illegal medical procedure should not be addressed only after harm has already occurred.

Patient reportedly required intensive care

Cardiothoracic surgeon and American Medical Center co-founder Marinos Soteriou has also raised serious allegations concerning a facility in Cyprus where plasma exchange treatments are allegedly being carried out without the necessary approvals.

Soteriou said a similar clinic or medical facility was operating in Cyprus and claimed that the Ministry of Health had been informed about its activities for some time.

According to Soteriou, despite the notifications, the facility continues to operate and provide plasma exchange treatments.

Of particular concern is his allegation that a patient who underwent plasma exchange subsequently had to be transferred to the American Medical Center and admitted to its intensive care unit after suffering serious complications.

The claim raises questions about the conditions under which such procedures are being carried out, the medical supervision involved and whether the required safety rules are being followed.

A Ministry of Health source confirmed that a complaint had been filed concerning the case and that ministry officials had conducted on-site inspections.

According to the same source, following the inspections, the Ministry filed a complaint with the Police, which took over the investigation.

Questions remain over whether clinics, medical practices or other facilities in Cyprus continue to provide plasma exchange services without the necessary approvals and licences.

Focus on plasma exchange

The issue is not limited to whether a facility has the required operating licences. It also concerns the services being provided, the medical indications for which procedures are used, the medical monitoring of patients and the training and qualifications of the staff carrying them out.

The allegation that a patient required intensive care following the procedure makes it particularly important to establish exactly what happened, under what circumstances the plasma exchange was performed and whether all relevant protocols and safety requirements were followed.

The outcome of the police investigation and whether further measures will be taken by the competent authorities also remain pending.

‘We cannot wait for someone to die’

Speaking on “Mesimeri kai Kati”, Oikonomou said the relevant legislation sets out which procedures constitute the practice of medicine and provides criminal penalties for illegal practice or impersonation of a medical professional.

He argued that the state cannot wait for serious injury, death or a “major disaster” before the competent authorities intervene.

Oikonomou insisted that the issue must be addressed preventively rather than retrospectively, when irreversible harm may already have occurred.

‘There are two or three cases we failed to stop’

Asked whether he knew if specific centres were still operating, Oikonomou said he had information about two or three cases that, he claimed, the competent authorities had failed to stop.

He explained that punishment cannot be imposed without the necessary complaint, prosecution and conviction procedures, as alleged offences must be established through criminal, civil or disciplinary proceedings.

The statement is significant because, according to Oikonomou, these are cases that have already come to the attention of the competent authorities rather than simply being unofficial reports.

Calls for medical centres to be reassessed

The issue of plasma exchange was specifically raised during the discussion, with the presenters referring to medical centres allegedly operating without the necessary licences for the treatments they provide.

Oikonomou said he had been informed that such practices were taking place in Cyprus, while clarifying that he did not have recent direct knowledge or objective oversight of the specific cases.

For this reason, he called for an immediate review of all medical centres and the practices they perform to establish which have the necessary licences and which meet the requirements to continue providing such services.

“We must immediately review all these medical practices and procedures, determine which are entitled to continue and which are not,” Oikonomou said.

He added that those failing to meet the necessary requirements should either comply with the regulatory framework or stop providing the relevant services.

He also stressed that such medical procedures should be performed by professionals with the required scientific training and specialisation.

‘Plasma exchange is not for wellness or detox’

Oikonomou also sought to clarify what plasma exchange is and what it is not.

He explained that plasma exchange is a therapeutic procedure indicated for specific medical conditions and is not a general treatment for “rejuvenation” or wellness.

“Plasma exchange is indicated as a treatment for specific conditions,” he said, rejecting its use as a general practice for wellness, “rejuvenation” or detoxification.

He warned that a medical procedure with specific therapeutic indications should not be presented to the public as a general method of improving health or appearance.

Wider concerns over illegal practice of medicine

Oikonomou also linked the issue to the broader problem of illegal practice or impersonation of the medical profession.

He said such cases may involve individuals who are not doctors, as well as doctors who are legally registered but do not hold the recognised specialisation or authorisation required to perform specific medical procedures.

According to Oikonomou, the Cyprus Medical Association has sought stricter measures and tougher penalties to address the phenomenon.

He argued that a low fine does not provide a sufficient deterrent for people who exploit patients and generate significant financial gains from illegal practices.

Also read: Staffing crisis at Famagusta General Hospital: Neurology appointments face 6–7-month wait
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