**Police Find ‘No Criminal Evidence’ in Plasmapheresis Case**
In a recent development, the Cyprus police announced on Friday that they found insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges related to a complaint concerning a patient who was hospitalized after undergoing plasmapheresis treatment. This decision follows a formal complaint received from the health ministry in November 2023, which detailed that the patient required medical intervention after experiencing severe complications post-treatment.
The police investigation concluded that the examination of the case did not yield enough evidence to substantiate any criminal offenses. Subsequently, the police forwarded the case file to the legal service, which similarly determined that there were no grounds to establish a criminal case.
The initial complaint was prompted by allegations made by Dr. Marinos Sotiriou, a cardiothoracic surgeon and co-founder of the American Medical Centre. He reported that a patient was admitted to the center’s intensive care unit (ICU) with extensive thrombosis, a condition characterized by the formation of blood clots within blood vessels that impede normal blood circulation. This condition developed after the patient underwent plasmapheresis at an unlicensed medical facility in Larnaca.
Plasmapheresis is a medical procedure that involves the removal of blood from a patient, separating the plasma from the blood cells, and then returning the treated blood back to the body. It is typically utilized to address specific medical conditions where harmful antibodies or substances are present in the plasma. While the procedure is associated with certain risks, Dr. Sotiriou emphasized that the treatment itself is not inherently problematic when conducted according to established medical protocols. He urged against "demonizing" plasmapheresis, stressing its potential to save lives when properly administered.
Dr. Sotiriou expressed concerns regarding the proliferation of unlicensed medical centers, particularly one in Larnaca that began operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that this facility had been providing treatments to patients suffering from lingering symptoms of the virus and had since attracted individuals seeking to mitigate the effects of aging. He described this trend as “charlatan tourism,” indicating that desperate patients often turn to such centers in search of relief.
The unlicensed center has reportedly continued to attract clients both locally and internationally, aided by social media marketing. Dr. Sotiriou pointed out that existing legal gaps hinder the authorities' ability to effectively shut down these establishments, which operate outside the bounds of regulated medical practice.
Internal medicine physician Dr. Vasos Economou echoed similar concerns during a discussion on Sigma TV. He highlighted that complaints against multiple medical centers in Cyprus have remained unresolved for years, despite efforts to engage with high-ranking officials, including the attorney general and cabinet ministers. Dr. Economou criticized the rationale behind dismissing complaints on the basis that no harm had yet occurred, questioning whether intervention should only take place after a tragedy.
He called for an immediate review of all clinics offering plasmapheresis to ensure they possess the necessary licenses and adhere to proper medical standards. Dr. Economou reiterated that plasmapheresis is intended for specific medical conditions and should not be marketed as a general wellness or rejuvenation therapy.
The health ministry has confirmed that officials conducted on-site inspections at the Larnaca center prior to referring the case to the police. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the regulation of medical practices in Cyprus, particularly in relation to treatments that carry inherent risks. The ongoing dialogue among medical professionals emphasizes the need for stricter oversight and enforcement of medical standards to protect patients from potentially harmful practices.
As the situation develops, the medical community and regulatory authorities will likely continue to address the implications of this case and the broader issue of unlicensed medical facilities operating within the country.