**Osak Calls for Stronger Patient Safety Safeguards on World Patient Safety Day**
On Thursday, the Cyprus Patients’ Federation, known as Osak, emphasized the critical need for enhanced patient safety measures throughout the healthcare system in a statement coinciding with World Patient Safety Day. The federation underscored that ensuring safety at every stage of care should be a continuous priority for all health services.
Osak's statement highlighted the importance of effective licensing and supervision of healthcare facilities. It called for stringent control over the conditions under which medical procedures are performed and insisted that treatments must be evidence-based and adhere to established safety and quality standards.
The federation welcomed recent initiatives by the Ministry of Health to conduct a comprehensive mapping of healthcare facilities across Cyprus. This initiative aims to identify and inspect locations providing medical services and procedures, particularly focusing on practices that may lack scientific backing or pose risks to patient safety. Osak noted that these actions are crucial for assessing the current healthcare landscape, identifying potential gaps, and implementing necessary measures to ensure that medical services are delivered within a safe and regulated framework.
In its statement, Osak emphasized the necessity for patients to trust that the treatments they receive are grounded in scientific evidence and administered by qualified professionals. The federation urged patients to exercise caution when considering treatments that promise significant health benefits but lack adequate scientific validation. It advised individuals to seek information regarding the necessity, expected benefits, and potential risks associated with any treatment, and to consult competent authorities or scientific bodies when in doubt.
However, Osak stressed that the responsibility for ensuring patient safety should not rest solely on patients. “Patients cannot be expected to check operating licenses, professional qualifications, or the scientific validity of a treatment,” the federation stated. It asserted that ensuring these standards are met is the responsibility of relevant authorities.
In light of recent incidents, including a high-profile case involving Greek singer Giorgos Mazonakis, Osak called for the implementation of preventive mechanisms to protect patients. Mazonakis reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest after undergoing plasmapheresis at a private clinic in Athens, sparking public concern over the safety and legality of the procedure. An investigation by the Athens Medical Association revealed that the clinic was not authorized to perform plasmapheresis, as no such machine was recorded in its inventory.
In Cyprus, health authorities have taken action by filing a complaint against a medical center in Larnaca that allegedly offered plasmapheresis. The Ministry of Health confirmed that this was not the first complaint against the center, as two previous grievances had been lodged in 2022 and 2023. The ministry stated that it had received new information regarding the Larnaca center last week, prompting further examinations.
When asked whether the center had suspended operations, the health ministry clarified that it does not have the authority to close a medical facility unless it is licensed by the ministry. Such matters fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement.
Osak's call for stronger patient safety measures reflects a growing concern within the healthcare community regarding the standards of care being provided. The federation's emphasis on evidence-based treatments and the accountability of healthcare providers aims to foster a safer environment for patients across Cyprus. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the federation's advocacy for regulatory oversight and patient education remains vital in ensuring the well-being of individuals seeking medical care.