Eastern Macedonia and Thrace medical associations call for zero tolerance over unsafe health practices

The Medical Associations of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace have called for “zero tolerance” toward medical practices that could put public health at risk, urging stricter oversight of unproven treatments, misleading health advertising and medical procedures performed beyond practitioners’ training and specialty.

In a joint statement, the Medical Associations of Kavala, Drama, İskeçe (Xanthi), Rhodope and Meriç (Evros) stressed that every medical intervention must be based on a clear clinical indication, scientific evidence and the applicable legal framework.

The associations issued the statement following public debate surrounding a recent fatal incident, while emphasizing that the specific circumstances and causes of that case must be determined exclusively by the competent forensic and judicial authorities.

Medical practice must be evidence-based
The associations said interventions involving the human body — including injectable treatments, cellular or gene-based applications and advanced medical technology — should only be carried out when supported by clinical indications, approved protocols and established scientific evidence.

They specifically warned against treatments promoted on the basis of claims involving “wellness,” “anti-aging” or “detoxification,” arguing that such concepts do not constitute medical diagnoses or provide justification for experimental or inadequately supported medical practices.

The statement also raised concerns about health services marketed through social media and the use of commercial terminology or imposing foreign-language titles that, according to the associations, could create a misleading impression about the nature and capabilities of a healthcare facility.

Medical procedures and professional qualifications
The medical associations stressed that a medical degree alone does not authorize a physician to perform every type of invasive procedure.

According to the statement, physicians should operate within the scope of their specialist training or officially recognized and legally certified areas of specialization, including qualifications recognized through Greece’s Central Health Council (KESY).

The associations warned that performing procedures without the necessary training or without the ability to manage potentially life-threatening complications could create risks for patients.

They also referred to what they described as scientifically unsupported claims involving laser devices allegedly promoted for conditions such as bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and migraine.

The associations argued that patients could face additional risks if they postpone or abandon medically indicated treatment in favor of products or procedures presented as “miracle” solutions.

Call for coordinated inspections
The five medical associations also called on the Greek state to establish joint inspection teams involving the Ministry of Health, the National Organization for Medicines (EOF), regional authorities and judicial authorities.

They said such inspections should target potentially unlawful activities, including the unauthorized practice of medicine, healthcare facilities operating without the required licenses, and the use or distribution of medical products and equipment whose origin or regulatory approval is questionable.

The associations emphasized that their own disciplinary and administrative authority extends to their members, while broader enforcement against non-medical practitioners and potentially unauthorized facilities requires action by the state and other competent authorities.

Warning over misleading health advertising
The statement also focused on the commercialization of healthcare and the use of social media to promote medical services.

The associations argued that commercial branding, elaborate terminology and aggressive online promotion cannot substitute for scientific qualifications, legally required operating conditions or adequate medical infrastructure.

They stressed that a primary healthcare facility does not become a hospital or clinic simply because it uses such terminology in its branding, and that the presence of medical equipment alone does not establish the qualifications of the person operating it.

Associations reaffirm disciplinary responsibility
The Medical Associations of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace said they had previously taken disciplinary action against members over what they described as illegal or unethical practices.

They reiterated that the doctor-patient relationship should be based on trust and therapeutic responsibility rather than commercial interests, while stressing that protecting human life and public health remains their primary institutional responsibility.

At the same time, the associations maintained that the recent fatal incident itself must not be prejudged and that responsibility for determining its causes rests with the competent forensic and judicial authorities.