Private clinic in Thessaloniki shut down over illegal oncology operations

Authorities have ordered the immediate closure and revocation of the operating license of a private clinic in central Thessaloniki, Greece, following a probe by the National Transparency Authority (EAD). The investigation revealed the facility was operating a fully equipped oncology department without legal authorization, utilizing a pulmonologist specializing in lung oncology who lacked a formal employment contract with the clinic.

Evidence surfaced that the clinic administered chemotherapy to patients diagnosed with non-malignant conditions, raising serious concerns regarding potential fraud against the National Organization for Health Services Provision (EOPYY) for illicit reimbursements. Furthermore, inspectors discovered significant deficiencies in nursing staff, lack of mandatory medical specialists, and the absence of a functioning intensive care unit. Previous warnings regarding staffing issues had been issued by the Regional Committee for Private Clinics in 2025.

The closure order was formally served to the clinic's management on September 29, 2026. Judicial bailiffs were tasked with executing the mandate. Plans are underway to transfer current patients to other medical facilities. Meanwhile, the facility faces further scrutiny following public allegations of medical negligence, including reports of patients deteriorating under care, sparking an ongoing investigation into safety standards and clinical conduct.