Dozens of people took part in a Limassol hospital protest on Monday morning organised by the family of four-year-old Marios, who was admitted with viral meningitis and later declared brain dead.
The child’s mother called for accountability and said she would continue seeking answers over what happened to her son.
“I will take this to the end,” she said, adding that she wanted justice to be served for her child and for others who may have suffered similar experiences but were unable to speak out.
In her statements, she said, among other things:
“On the 14th, my baby died. In the end, you got the diagnosis very wrong. I was told that on the 14th of the month, my baby would be left blind, right in front of me, but you were wrong about that too. My baby did not go blind; my baby was left brain dead. I would have accepted it if my baby had gone blind, because I would have had my baby with me. I would have become his eyes. But my baby did not go blind, and you were wrong about that too. The only thing this state has to do is deliver justice. And this time, with humanity and with your hand on your heart, for one soul that has been lost and for so many others who may be lost or have been lost but did not have the strength to come forward and speak. I will see this through to the end. There is still hope, and I will not wait for justice to be denied.”
Protest held outside Limassol General Hospital
The protesters gathered outside the entrance of Limassol General Hospital, holding banners and calling on the management of the public hospital to provide answers over the case.
Among the messages displayed were allegations that the child had been left without adequate assistance and references to the seven days he spent in a hospital room.
The protest came after the family raised concerns over the treatment and diagnosis of the four-year-old.
Police and internal investigations underway
The State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY) reiterated a previous statement regarding the case, saying it understood the pain of the family and relatives and their desire for answers.
According to OKYPY, a police investigation is underway to establish the facts surrounding the incident. Statements have already been taken from members of the staff involved.
At the same time, an internal investigation is continuing in accordance with the organisation’s procedures and regulations.
OKYPY stresses presumption of innocence
OKYPY said the fundamental principles of the rule of law must be respected while the investigation is ongoing, including the presumption of innocence, and called for the avoidance of characterisations before the relevant procedures are completed.
The organisation said it is fully cooperating with the competent authorities and providing all necessary assistance for any independent investigation.
It also stressed that, as a public-law organisation with accredited services and strict quality-assurance procedures, it applies mechanisms designed to ensure that every allegation or complaint is investigated promptly, impartially and objectively.
OKYPY said it remains committed to transparency, accountability and protecting the rights of both patients and healthcare workers, while ensuring that every complaint is investigated seriously and without prejudice or interference.
Also read: 4-year-old’s meningitis death: Police investigation underway
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