Filenews 2 August 2022 - by Marilena Panayi
In full swing is the police investigation for the Centre in Larnaca in which, according to complaints received by the Ministry of Health, "alternative" treatments were administered to patients who develop long-covid syndrome.
The case is considered to be very serious as, as the authorities have found out so far, this Centre, which functioned as a "Wellness Centre", was administering, among other things, to patients, embryonic cells and umbilical cord blood, without having, among other things, the necessary licences. As far as embryonic cells are concerned, as the Chief Inspector of Tissue and Cell Centres Karolina Stylianou mentioned in her statements, their administration is prohibited both in Cyprus and abroad and especially in the countries of the European Union. That is, she said, at this Centre, "it seems that some patients were administered embryonic cells and others cord blood."
These preparations, as Mrs. Stylianou said, "were imported into Cyprus with documents for blood which was intended for research purposes. Obviously that's why someone didn't stop them on arrival, that is, they didn't say anywhere that they were for human use which is something that is forbidden."
In this centre, Ms. Stylianou said, "there was a permanent doctor who holds a licence to practice from the PIS". So far, she added, "the authorities have at their disposal, the files of 11 patients which are being evaluated." The files concern non-Cypriots who allegedly visited the medical centre and carried out treatments. Of the 11 patients, three appear to have received treatments with umbilical blood. As Mrs. Stylianou concluded, the first complaints concerning patients with long covid were made by a person who came to Cyprus from abroad and when she saw that the treatment she had undergone by paying a few thousand euros did not work, she turned to the authorities.
The use of human cells and tissues is done for research purposes after authorization, said Konstantinos Deltas, professor of genetics at the Medical School of the University of Cyprus, in his statements, explaining that "in a more general context, research is carried out following research by the bioethics principle". At the same time, he stressed that "any treatment should be approved".
The final report of the Police is awaited in turn by the Minister of Health Michalis Hatzipantelas. Asked about this yesterday, the Health Minister said he expects the report from the police investigations before taking a position, saying that it must first be ascertained whether "illegal activities are arising that touch both the Centre and the doctors employed in it". Asked if there are any other similar complaints before him, Mr. Hatzipantela said that "there is no other complaint."
Regarding the Police, spokesman Christos Andreou said that "this is a very complex case for which the assistance of experts will certainly be needed. " It is a difficult case and it will take time to secure the testimony needed for any offences that may arise," Mr. Andreou said, adding that "an evaluation of the material collected is being carried out and the investigation is ongoing." So far, "various documents and documents have been received and examined from the Centre", which are under the microscope of the investigators.
