MPs question oversight after unlicensed Larnaca plasmapheresis centre operated six machines

Larnaca, Cyprus. Members of the House health committee questioned officials on Thursday about responsibility for overseeing plasmapheresis, after being told that a centre in Larnaca operated around six machines without a licence. A health ministry representative said the two doctors responsible lacked the relevant medical specialisations.

Questions over regulatory responsibility

Patient ombudsman Marios Charalambides told the committee that oversight was divided between several bodies, including the medical association (CyMA), the medical council and police, with each responsible for different aspects.

Related: Audit Office flags eight questionable benefit payments to 1974 prisoners of war

RelatedAudit Office flags eight questionable benefit payments to 1974 prisoners of war

“A huge gap is created when no single authority can fully control whether a service operates legally and safely”, he said.

Committee chairwoman and Disy MP Savia Orphanidou sought a clear answer about the centre’s future.

“Will the centres be closed or not? We want answers on everything related to this specific issue”, she stressed.

Ministry ordered suspension

According to the health ministry representative, an inspection at the premises prompted the ministry to order an immediate halt to operations and refer the case to police. After a letter and further inspections, the ministry concluded that the facility had voluntarily ceased operating.

The ministry said the machines had approval and met legislative requirements, but maintained that the procedure should be performed only in hospitals.

It also acknowledged that the centre had not undergone the routine inspections required for licensed private hospitals.