**Title: Government Launches Investigation into Unauthorized Medical Treatments in Cyprus**
The Ministry of Health in Cyprus has initiated an investigation into a series of unauthorized medical treatments being offered across the island. This inquiry encompasses a range of practices, including unlicensed plasma therapy and counterfeit weight loss injectables that are being marketed through social media platforms. The announcement was made on Saturday, following a series of concerning reports regarding the safety and legality of these treatments.
The investigation was prompted by a complaint filed by the health ministry in November 2023, after a patient experienced severe complications following a plasmapheresis procedure at an unlicensed facility in Larnaca. The case drew attention when cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Marinos Sotiriou reported that the patient was admitted to intensive care due to extensive thrombosis, a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the police stated on Friday that their review of the plasmapheresis case did not uncover sufficient evidence to establish any criminal offenses. The findings were subsequently forwarded to the legal service, which concurred with the police's assessment. Dr. Sotiriou emphasized that while plasmapheresis can be a legitimate treatment when conducted in a licensed environment, he raised concerns about what he termed “charlatan tourism,” where individuals seek out unauthorized treatments that pose significant health risks.
In response to the ongoing issues, senior health ministry official Karolina Stylianou assured the public that the ministry has established adequate checks and protocols to address complaints swiftly. She confirmed that the Larnaca center involved in the plasmapheresis case has ceased operations under its previous name, although it remains unclear whether it continues to function under a different identity. Stylianou refrained from disclosing the names of other centers currently under investigation to protect the integrity of the ongoing inquiries. She urged the public to report any facilities offering treatments outside of approved medical practices.
In addition to the plasmapheresis issue, a separate investigation has emerged concerning a Paphos-based company that has been advertising unapproved weight loss injectables on social media since August. Reports indicate that these advertisements often feature women demonstrating how to use the products, which have reportedly caused gastrointestinal side effects in several users, some of whom required hospitalization at private clinics.
The pharmaceutical services department has confirmed that inspections of beauty salons, gyms, and medical practices are ongoing to identify unapproved products that may be circulating in the market. Elena Panagiotopoulou, the director of pharmaceutical services, noted that her department frequently receives complaints regarding wellness treatments marketed online, particularly those involving intravenous vitamins labeled as “energy” or “recovery” serums.
Dr. Michalis Anastasiades, chairman of the medical association’s ethics committee, stated that the association is working closely with the pharmaceutical services and has reached out to law enforcement regarding the Larnaca case. He cautioned that unregulated injectable products can lead to serious health complications, including allergic reactions and potential damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. He highlighted the challenges posed by the rise of online commerce in this sector, which complicates enforcement efforts.
Internal medicine physician Dr. Vasos Economou expressed frustration over the lack of action against certain clinics, noting that complaints have gone unresolved for years despite discussions with senior officials, including the attorney general. He questioned the necessity of waiting for a tragedy to occur before taking decisive action, stating, "Must we wait for someone to die to intervene?"
As the investigation unfolds, the Ministry of Health is expected to intensify its efforts to regulate and monitor medical practices across Cyprus, aiming to protect public health and ensure that treatments are safe and administered by qualified professionals. The government’s response to these unauthorized medical practices will be closely watched by both the public and health professionals, as concerns about patient safety continue to rise.