Concerns over unlicensed plasmapheresis clinics in Cyprus

Medical professionals and authorities in Cyprus are addressing reports of unlicensed medical centers performing plasmapheresis, a procedure recently scrutinized following the death of singer Giorgos Mazonakis in Greece. Dr. Marinos Sotiriou, director of the American Medical Center in Nicosia, revealed that approximately two years ago, a female patient required intensive care for severe blood clotting complications after undergoing the procedure at an unauthorized facility in Larnaca. These centers reportedly often target patients seeking relief from long-term post-COVID symptoms.

While the Ministry of Health and the Cyprus Medical Association have faced criticism from physicians like Dr. Vassos Oikonomou for allegedly failing to provide solutions, officials maintain that they conduct regular inspections. The police confirmed they received a complaint from the Ministry in November 2023 regarding the Larnaca case. Following an investigation, the file was forwarded to the Legal Service, which determined there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges, and the investigation was subsequently closed.