**Third Complaint Filed Against Larnaca Medical Centre Offering Plasmapheresis Treatment**
Larnaca, Cyprus – The Ministry of Health has filed a third complaint against a medical centre in Larnaca that provides plasmapheresis treatment, following an on-site inspection conducted last Friday. This latest complaint adds to two previous allegations made against the same facility in 2022 and 2023.
According to a statement from the health ministry, the latest complaint was prompted by information received on Thursday of last week, which led to an immediate investigation. The ministry confirmed that it had undertaken relevant examinations at the centre in question.
When asked whether the medical centre had suspended its operations in light of the complaints, the ministry clarified that such decisions are outside its jurisdiction and fall under the purview of law enforcement. "The health ministry can only close a medical facility if it is licensed by the health ministry," a spokesperson stated.
In a related development, the police reported that they had received a letter from the Department of Medical Services regarding two medical centres in Larnaca where plasmapheresis machines were located. A subsequent search of the properties revealed that one centre had the machines, while the other did not.
The police confirmed that they had previously received a letter from the health ministry concerning a patient who required treatment after experiencing serious complications following plasmapheresis at the unlicensed centre. However, upon investigation, authorities found insufficient evidence to support claims of criminal wrongdoing. The case file was forwarded to the legal service, which also concluded that there were not enough grounds to pursue a criminal case.
The complaints have drawn attention to the safety and regulation of medical practices in Cyprus, particularly concerning plasmapheresis, a procedure that involves the separation and removal of plasma from the blood, with the remaining components returned to the patient along with replacement fluids. Medical professionals have raised concerns about the procedure, stating that it is often unnecessary and should only be performed for specific, evidence-based medical conditions.
The allegations were notably highlighted by Marinos Sotiriou, a cardiothoracic surgeon and co-founder of the American Medical Centre. He reported that a patient was admitted to the intensive care unit after undergoing plasmapheresis at the unlicensed facility, suffering from extensive thrombosis.
As investigations continue, the health ministry's actions underscore the importance of regulatory oversight in medical practices, particularly in specialized treatments such as plasmapheresis. The situation remains under scrutiny as authorities work to ensure patient safety and adherence to medical standards in Cyprus.