Filenews 3 February 2022 - by Michalis Hadjivasilis
The path of Justice is now taken by the case of contamination of patients with cataracts, following instructions from the Legal Service. Two doctors were called yesterday and charged in writing by the ICF Nicosia and now it is expected that criminal charges will be brought against them by registering a case with the Court.
The two doctors face an indictment under Section 236(e) that refers to reckless and negligent acts. According to that article, 'anyone who, in a reckless, hasty or negligent manner, in such a way as to endanger human life or to be likely to cause bodily harm to another, shall be medically or surgically treated by a person whose hospitalisation he has been hospitalised is guilty of a misdemeanor'. It is noted that initially in its conclusion the Police suggested that the hospital be prosecuted, but the Legal Service considered that this is not justified by the facts.
The case concerns the eight patients who were infected with a multidrug-resistant strain of pseudomonas about a year ago. The Police had gathered testimony that focused on two elements concerning the operating room and the means of performing the operations. The investigators of the ICF of Nicosia had gathered material in seven box files with testimonies and other evidence, which were studied by the Legal Service that gave instructions for criminal prosecutions. It is noted that five of the patients who underwent surgery lost their eye and three had an 80% vision loss. One patient died in a relatively short time from surgery and a second one a year later.
An investigation into the incident had been carried out by the Ministry of Health as well as by the Department of Labour Inspection. Within the next few days the file will be registered before the District Court of Nicosia.
