Μake us preferred on Google Greek health authorities have uncovered a range of irregularities during inspections of private health facilities, including expired vaccines, unauthorized medical procedures and services provided by people without the required qualifications, according to findings by the National Transparency Authority.
The inspections have also identified cases involving medical procedures performed by non-specialized staff, health services offered without the necessary professionals and medical guidance provided remotely through video calls.
The findings have renewed scrutiny of how private health facilities are monitored in Greece, following investigations into the death of Greek singer Giorgos Mazonakis at a private medical practice in Athens’ Kolonaki district.
Who oversees private medical practices?
Since 2019, Greece has not had a single inspection mechanism for the private health sector similar to the former Health and Welfare Services Inspection Corps (SEYYP), whose inspectors were known as the “Health Rangers.”
SEYYP was abolished under a 2019 law, with its responsibilities transferred to the National Transparency Authority. Meanwhile, local medical associations took responsibility for matters concerning the licensing, supervision and operation of medical practices.
The Mazonakis case revealed that a facility presented as a “clinic” had held a license as an internal medicine practice since 2013, while also operating plasmapheresis equipment and providing treatments without specific authorization. The doctor facing charges in the case was also described as lacking a medical specialty, despite being presented as a gynecologist with studies in Honolulu.
Thousands of inspections
The National Transparency Authority has previously investigated similar cases.
According to data from the Athens Medical Association, approximately 5,500 facilities have undergone inspections since 2024 for the issuance or modification of operating certificates. During the same period, around 1,000 additional inspections were conducted either on a sample basis or following complaints.
The National Transparency Authority, meanwhile, has issued 1,500 inspection reports following checks at medical practices, according to information obtained by Ta Nea.
Over a five-year period, only 26 cases have been referred to disciplinary bodies and/or the judicial authorities for criminal assessment.
The authority stressed that its inspection reports are not the result of a simple or automated process. Sources told Ta Nea that each case is assessed individually, with investigators collecting and cross-checking evidence, examining the facts and documenting their findings before reaching conclusions.
Hair transplants without a dermatologist
The authority’s inspections have produced findings in 287 cases involving private health facilities, including medical practices, diagnostic laboratories, clinics, mental health facilities, assisted reproduction units, cord blood banks, chronic dialysis units, pharmacies and beauty centers.
Some cases involved individuals allegedly performing medical procedures without being doctors.
In one case, inspectors investigated a private medical center in Attica following a complaint that medical procedures, including hair transplants, were being performed by non-specialized personnel.
Inspectors found that a dermatology practice was operating without a dermatologist present. Hair transplants were being performed by an anesthesiologist and nursing staff, while one nurse did not even hold a professional license to practice.
In another case, a facility advertised and provided mental health services without employing a psychologist, according to the inspection findings.
Another inspection found that a pediatrician had administered a vaccine after its expiration date. Inspectors also identified facilities operating without the presence and supervision of the designated scientific officer responsible for their operation.
In a separate case, a medical procedure was performed by an employee of a medical practice under the doctor’s guidance via video call.
Alternative practitioner without a medical degree
The authority also investigated two naturopathic centers where an alternative “therapist” without a medical degree was operating.
The woman maintained websites and was active on social media. According to the inspection findings, she made unsupported therapeutic claims concerning numerous diseases and conditions and used equipment while allegedly practicing medicine without authorization.
She also promoted colloidal silver as a dietary supplement without authorization from Greece’s National Organization for Medicines.
The centers operated bioresonance devices, while it was unclear whether non-doctors were permitted to possess such equipment. The woman also sold dietary supplements from the centers, although such sales are permitted only through pharmacies.
The authority noted that Greece has no regulatory framework governing alternative medicine centers, which operate without professional certification or an operating license.
Following the inspection, the report was forwarded to the National Organization for Medicines, the Health Ministry, the Central Health Council, the Finance Ministry and the prosecutor’s office.
A home turned into an illegal clinic
In another case triggered by a complaint, inspectors found that a doctor had converted a private residence into an unauthorized clinic providing cosmetic and dermatological services, attracting customers through a social media profile.
Inspectors found packages of the prescription medicines Dysport and Botox, containing botulinum toxin type A, as well as counterfeit Dysport packaging, vials of unknown origin and injectable growth hormone preparations circulating illegally in Greece.
They also found hyaluronic acid products and medical supplies including syringes, needles, cotton, gloves and examination-bed paper rolls.
The findings were considered consistent with the use of the residence as a medical practice.
45 vaccines without prescriptions
In another investigation into the prescribing and dispensing of medicines and vaccines by a private pediatrician and a pharmacy owner, inspectors found evidence of prescriptions being directed to the pharmacy under investigation.
During an on-site inspection of the pediatrician’s office, authorities found 45 vaccines that had not been prescribed. The vaccines had come from the pharmacy under investigation without corresponding prescriptions being issued.
The National Transparency Authority’s report was forwarded for disciplinary review and to the Athens Court of Appeals prosecutor’s office. Greece’s national health insurance organization, EOPYY, also summoned the pharmacist to provide explanations.
Cord blood banks also investigated
The authority also inspected eight private cord blood banks to determine whether they were operating legally.
Following recommendations in the inspection report concerning two of the banks, the Health Ministry ordered them to cease operations and restricted their ability to apply for an operating license for two years.
An inspection report concerning a cord blood bank was also sent to the Education Ministry after authorities identified the transfer of stem cells to a private school.
Disciplinary penalties were imposed, while a preliminary investigation was launched by the relevant prosecutor’s office.
The National Transparency Authority stressed that an inspection report represents the documented outcome of a specific investigative process and that its completeness and objectivity require time, systematic examination and consideration of the views of those whose conduct is being investigated.
Its sources emphasized that conclusions cannot be predetermined before an inspection has been completed.
