**Woman Hospitalised in ICU After Plasmapheresis at Unlicensed Centre, Doctor Alleges**
A woman was hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in 2023 following a plasmapheresis procedure performed at an unlicensed medical centre in Cyprus, according to Dr. Marinos Sotiriou, the director of the American Medical Centre in Nicosia. Dr. Sotiriou raised concerns about the proliferation of unauthorized facilities offering this treatment, emphasizing the potential risks involved.
Dr. Sotiriou described the patient's condition as "very bad" at the time of her hospitalization, indicating that her life was at risk due to complications arising from the procedure. He noted that while the patient has since recovered, the incident highlights the need for careful discussion regarding plasmapheresis, a medical treatment that involves the separation of plasma from blood. He asserted that the treatment is beneficial when conducted under proper protocols and in licensed facilities, and should not be demonized as a result of this incident.
The plasmapheresis procedure in question took place at a facility that was allegedly misrepresented as a legitimate clinic. Dr. Sotiriou claimed that the centre lacked the necessary licenses to operate legally. He stated that complaints regarding the centre had been filed with both the Health Ministry and law enforcement agencies, although he was uncertain about the outcome of any investigations that may have followed.
In a separate interview with state radio, Dr. Sotiriou expressed frustration over the ambiguity surrounding the supervisory responsibilities for such medical centres, which complicates the enforcement of regulations. He mentioned that the unlicensed centre had attracted patients from various countries, particularly individuals suffering from long Covid, further raising concerns about the safety and legality of the treatments being offered.
In response to the allegations, the police confirmed that they had received a complaint from the Health Ministry regarding the treatment provided by the medical centre. According to a police statement, the Health Ministry sent a letter in November 2023 concerning the patient who required hospitalization after experiencing severe complications linked to the treatment. Following an investigation, the police forwarded their findings to the Law Office; however, they reported that the investigation did not yield sufficient evidence to support any criminal charges.
The case has sparked renewed scrutiny of plasmapheresis, particularly in light of recent events surrounding the death of Greek singer Giorgos Mazonakis, who reportedly died after undergoing a similar blood-cleansing procedure at a clinic in Athens. In connection with his death, two doctors have been arrested on charges of fatal exposure to danger, which has intensified public concern regarding the safety of such treatments.
As the debate continues, health authorities and medical professionals are urged to take a closer look at the regulation of medical practices in Cyprus, especially those involving complex procedures such as plasmapheresis. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that medical treatments are conducted in safe, licensed environments to protect patient health and well-being.
The story of the woman who required ICU care underscores the potential dangers associated with unregulated medical practices and the necessity for patients to seek treatment only from accredited facilities. As investigations proceed, the health community in Cyprus faces the challenge of addressing these issues while ensuring that effective treatments remain accessible to those in need.