Illegal oncology unit found at northern Greek clinic
Greece’s National Transparency Authority has identified the illegal operation of an oncology unit at a private clinic in northern Greece following an inspection prompted by a complaint.
The authority found that the clinic was operating a fully equipped oncology unit despite its existing licence not providing for such a department.
The unit was staffed by a single pulmonologist specializing in lung oncology. The clinic had provided the doctor with office space but had not signed a written agreement with him.
Staffing and contractual breaches found
Inspectors found that the clinic did not employ department heads under dependent employment contracts and had not signed written agreements with other doctors working at the facility, contrary to applicable legislation.
The inspection also found insufficient nursing staff and a lack of personnel in certain required specialties, including radiology.
The authority further determined that the clinic did not have an operating intensive care unit, despite an ICU being mandatory under legislation based on the capacity specified in its establishment and operating licence.
Chemotherapy administered at unauthorized unit
According to the inspection findings, the pulmonologist supervising the oncology unit had been prescribing chemotherapy drugs for patients since 2022 from his medical office.
The drugs were subsequently administered to patients at the clinic’s oncology unit, which the authority found was operating without the required authorization.
Case referred to authorities
The inspection report has been forwarded to the Athens Court of Appeal Prosecutor’s Office to investigate any potential criminal liability.
The report was also sent to the National Organisation for Healthcare Services Provision for any action concerning the accuracy of information submitted by the clinic to obtain reimbursement for the hospitalization of specific patients.
The relevant Medical Association has also received the report to examine any potential disciplinary liability.
AMNA
