A disciplinary investigation into an anesthesiologist accused of requesting an illegal cash payment from a patient’s relative at a public hospital in Greece has been completed, according to local reports.
The inquiry was launched by the administration of a cancer hospital in Athens after a complaint was filed by a man whose mother had been hospitalized and underwent surgery at the facility.
According to reports, the findings of the sworn administrative investigation are expected to be forwarded to the disciplinary council of the regional health authority, after evidence allegedly emerged supporting disciplinary proceedings against the doctor.
However, investigators reportedly did not identify any additional similar incidents beyond the original complaint.
The anesthesiologist appeared before the relevant authorities and responded to questions during the investigation. He reportedly remains suspended from duty while the case proceeds.
The case drew widespread attention after a video circulated online allegedly showing the doctor asking for an under-the-table payment, commonly referred to in Greece as a “fakelaki,” from a patient’s relative shortly before a scheduled operation.
The footage, reportedly recorded by the patient’s companion on a mobile phone inside the hospital room, sparked strong public reaction.
According to previous reports, the doctor had allegedly faced a similar complaint in 2018, although he was acquitted in the criminal proceedings linked to that case.
The incident also prompted a response from Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, who said he had ordered an immediate investigation and called for all legal procedures to be followed.
In a public statement, the minister condemned the practice of illegal payments in public healthcare, describing it as an exploitation of human suffering and incompatible with the values of the national health system.
