Intense behind-the-scenes manoeuvring has erupted following the first discussion of legislation to regulate radiology diagnostic centres in Cyprus, with disagreements amongst radiologists, radiology technicians, and clinic owners escalating into what MPs describe as relentless phone calls and pressure.
Allegations of collusion between doctors and diagnostic centres, referrals with handwritten recommendations for specific clinics, kickbacks and suspicious partnerships have now entered public debate.
“We are facing intensity bordering on fanaticism,” AKEL MP Nikos Kettiros told Phileleftheros, whilst DISY MP Charalambos Pazaros spoke of “economic interests which we must listen to but make the right decisions for the benefit of patients”.
Kettiros said some parties seized opportunities to enter the sector after the national health system launched without proper legislation in place.
“Small and large kingdoms have been created and no one is willing to discuss or change anything that doesn’t suit them,” the AKEL MP said, adding, “We cannot discuss issues concerning citizens’ health and safety and speak in economic terms”.
The high tensions have prompted various complaints to reach MPs, Kettiros said. “We haven’t substantiated them, but they need to be substantiated so the public knows what’s happening. They tell us about specific doctors who send patients to specific centres. They tell us about doctors who, when issuing a referral, print it and handwrite the names of one or two centres, implying that doctors receive commissions from the centres”.
“If the doctor guides with the aim of personal financial gain, we have a problem. If the doctor guides because he believes a centre has better equipment and its results are more reliable, it’s different,” Kettiros said.
The AKEL MP said the bill “rightly came to parliament and the health minister correctly submitted it,” but added that disagreements “have turned into fanaticism and obsession” with diagnostic centres, and all sides are calling MPs daily to satisfy their demands.
“What I want to tell everyone is that so much obsession in the end won’t help their case at all. They really aren’t helping themselves with this situation”.
DISY MP Charalambos Pazaros was equally clear in his statements. “Patient safety, correct diagnosis and proper management in cases of complications is and must be the sole concern of MPs,” he told Phileleftheros, whilst noting, “We observe with regret that there is no agreement amongst those involved and, worse, there is no apparent willingness for compromises so we can all find the right solution together”.
Pazaros said MPs show understanding for opposing views and are recording all the data. “If, for example, there are 300 centres and 200 radiologists, we cannot, whatever we do, cover all centres with radiologists. We must see the correct figures and make our decisions as parliament. We must make the decision, and certainly this decision, with today’s data, cannot satisfy all the demands of everyone. We also have the option to send the bill back to the ministry and let the health sector wait another 15 years for the issue to return to parliament. That is certainly not our intention or choice”.
The committee will attempt to speak with the parties involved, Pazaros said. “The bill must be passed into law. That is the reality, and certainly the committee will act as it should for the benefit of patients”.
The main disagreement between radiologists on one side and radiology technologists and diagnostic centres on the other centres on whether a specialist radiologist must be present during all radiological examinations at all centres.
Submissions from representatives of all involved parties were particularly intense during last week’s parliamentary health committee meeting, with behind-the-scenes activity also intense in recent days.
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