National Transparency Authority recommends closure of private clinic in Northern Greece – Unlawful oncology department and chemotherapy administration without authorisation
The National Transparency Authority is seeking permanent cessation of operations at a private clinic in Northern Greece. The report has been forwarded to the Deputy Prosecutor of Athens.
Unlawful oncology department in private clinic – National Transparency Authority seeks operating licence revocation
The National Transparency Authority (ΕΑΔ) is recommending permanent cessation of operations at a private clinic in Northern Greece, after an inspection revealed a series of serious violations, according to Dikastiko.gr. The central finding of the report concerns the operation of a fully equipped oncology department which was not included in the clinic's valid operating licence.
This department operated with a single physician – a pulmonologist specialising in lung oncology – to whom the clinic had provided office space without a written contract specifying the terms of cooperation, according to information cited by thestival.gr.
Chemotherapy drugs from unlicensed premises
From 2022, according to the inspection's findings, the physician prescribed chemotherapy drugs from the clinic's surgery and then personally administered them in the unlicensed oncology department. Drug preparation was carried out by clinic staff.
The National Transparency Authority states in its report that the physician bears joint responsibility for the unlawful operation of the department. The provision of services in unlicensed premises, according to the report, contravenes the physician's scientific and ethical responsibility, whilst the absence of a written contract compounds the irregularity.
Staffing shortages and absence of intensive care unit
Beyond the unlawful oncology department, the inspection found that the clinic did not employ the required medical staff on an employment contract basis. Shortages were identified in both nursing staff and other mandatory specialities.
Furthermore, the clinic did not have an operational intensive care unit (ICU), despite this being required by law on the basis of the capacity stated in its operating licence. The National Transparency Authority also found that promotional material and videos on the clinic's website presented the operation of an oncology department and related equipment, without this department being included in the operating licence.
Recommendation for permanent closure
Based on the findings, the National Transparency Authority recommended to the responsible regional authority permanent cessation of operations and revocation of the clinic's operating licence, as well as the imposition of prescribed administrative sanctions. Simultaneously, a request was made to inform private clinics and competent inspection committees of the obligation to comply with applicable legislation.
Towards the competent public health and social care directorate, the National Transparency Authority recommended strict implementation of the prescribed procedure and compliance with deadlines. It also requested that responsible declarations by clinic administrators not be accepted as substitutes for required documents during inspections. For this specific clinic, it further recommended correction of its website so that the services presented correspond with the operating licence.
Report to Deputy Prosecutor and national health insurance fund
The National Transparency Authority's report has been forwarded to the Deputy Prosecutor of Athens for investigation of any criminal liability. Simultaneously, it has been forwarded to the national health insurance fund so that matters may be examined relating to information submitted by the clinic for reimbursement of hospitalisation of certain patients. The matter has also been notified to the competent medical association for investigation of possible disciplinary liability.
Source: Dikastiko.gr