**Dozens Demonstrate in Limassol Following Tragic Case of Brain-Damaged Boy**
Limassol, Cyprus – A significant demonstration took place outside Limassol General Hospital on Monday, as dozens of people gathered to express their outrage and grief over the case of a four-year-old boy, Marios, who has suffered severe brain damage due to meningitis. The boy's family claims that a timely diagnosis was not made, leading to the tragic outcome.
The protest was organized by Marios' family, particularly his mother, Elen Christou, who has been vocal about her frustrations regarding the medical care her son received. Demonstrators held banners with poignant messages, including “An angel was calling for help. Murderers. Why did you leave him without help?” and “Seven days in room 1. Seven days I was shouting and not heard.” These slogans reflect the family's deep sense of loss and the perceived neglect in the medical response to Marios' condition.
Marios developed a fever on July 8, prompting his parents to seek medical advice from their pediatrician, who prescribed medication and tests. However, as the boy's health continued to deteriorate, his parents took him to Limassol General Hospital, where he was eventually diagnosed with meningitis. Despite receiving treatment, Marios' condition did not improve, leading his parents to insist on a transfer to Makarios Hospital in Nicosia.
Tragically, during the transfer on July 14, Marios reportedly became brain dead. He is currently receiving care at Makarios Hospital, where his family remains hopeful, albeit devastated by the circumstances. In a statement to the press, Elen Christou expressed her determination to seek justice for her son. “It is not acceptable that a child with meningitis suffers oedema and intussusception and is just given antipyretics,” she said. “I was told on the 13th that everything is fine and on the 14th that my baby has died.”
Christou emphasized the emotional toll the situation has taken on her family, stating, “I wish he had become blind because he would be with me. I would become his eyes.” Her plea for accountability was clear as she demanded that those responsible for her son's care be held accountable, asserting, “Anyone who should go to jail, with the murderers, should go to jail.”
In response to the incident, the state health services organization, Okypy, expressed sympathy for the family and confirmed that both police and internal investigations are underway. Okypy stated that statements had been collected and emphasized the principle that all individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty. The organization also assured that it is cooperating fully with the authorities to ensure an immediate, unbiased, and objective investigation into the family's claims and complaints.
The demonstration in Limassol highlights the growing concerns regarding medical care and the accountability of healthcare providers in Cyprus. As the investigation continues, the family and supporters remain steadfast in their demand for justice, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.