Concerns raised over unauthorized ketamine use and clandestine treatment centers in Cyprus

Christos Petrou, a professor of pharmacy at the University of Nicosia, has issued a formal warning regarding the operation of unauthorized centers in Cyprus that allegedly provide unapproved medical treatments. During recent media appearances, the professor highlighted that public health authorities hold the primary responsibility for oversight and proactive regulation of these practices, rather than relying solely on individual citizen reports. He cited a 2022 report from the British Medical Journal to underscore the ongoing challenges associated with the regulation of such facilities.

Petrou clarified the medical and recreational status of ketamine, noting that while the substance was developed in the 1960s as a general anesthetic for emergency and surgical procedures, its clinical utility has decreased over time. In Cyprus, the racemic mixture of ketamine is not licensed for use; only esketamine is authorized, and its application is restricted to strictly supervised treatment protocols for depression. The professor warned that misuse of the substance can lead to severe health consequences, including addiction, tolerance, and fatal overdose. He noted that the substance is increasingly being abused for its hallucinogenic properties, particularly in nightlife settings, marking it as a significant public health risk.