Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis has demanded the removal of the anesthesiologist who was recorded on video demanding a bribe from a patient in a public hospital. Meanwhile, all prescribed procedures regarding the incident have been initiated. “I am disgusted by bribes, an act that exploits human suffering and has nothing to do with the values we serve in the National Health System. I am deeply sorry and apologize to the patient,” the Health Minister posted.
Doctor about bribery: “I didn’t do anything and I’m in danger”
The incident, which has caused a sensation, started from documentary video footage posted on social media that captures the doctor demanding a “bribe” from a patient hospitalized in the hospital.
Speaking to MEGA and the “Live News” show, the protagonist doctor notes:
“No, I’m saying if you want to give. Listen, so if you have the kindness, because I imagine you have enough experience…”
In the video, he can be heard asking for 100-150 euros.
“On one hand, I’m asking because there was a problem whether to go in or not to go in. I say ‘I will do whatever I can for you to go in’. Because there were some special circumstances anyway.”
“It was Tuesday. We went in on Monday, it was Tuesday. He came around 11:30 and from what I understood, from his words and some woman who was across, he understood that he wants money,” says the patient’s son who also took the video.
Regarding the hospital, an administrative investigation has been ordered and the anesthesiologist has been removed.
“Today around 11:30 I was informed of the incident. I informed the minister, I informed the regional health authority. Subsequently, I assigned an administrative investigation within three days to the director of Medical Services and simultaneously suspended the doctor’s duties. From the nursing service they tell me ‘Mr. director, you know, some TikTok, look here what’s happening’. And I saw it and I was speechless. He hasn’t given any signs until now, I didn’t have any complaint, I didn’t have anything reprehensible so far,” states the hospital director.
“This one was headed to surgery. Because I was going to do it and I hadn’t seen it preoperatively, I went to see the clinical condition and, always, that’s how it happens one hour before, let’s say, before entering the operating room, to see if they are, they aren’t, have eaten, haven’t eaten. Because there’s a protocol. And honestly what I’m telling you happened. I say due to the time they might go in, they might not go in. I will do whatever is in my power for them to go in’. In three months I retire. I mean I didn’t do anything and I’m in danger. I would like to have a good retirement. How can I tell you? Honestly, I’m sorry. I don’t want to tell you my personal stuff, but, you know I am, I’ll tell you since we got here, I am by KEPA decision 82% disabled, I have a disability. There would be no chance I would exploit a person from the dramas I’m going through with the cancer I have,” the anesthesiologist concludes.
The doctor had been accused before
According to information, the same doctor, on 26/11/18, had been accused again of asking a patient for a “bribe” of 100€. He was acquitted and returned to his duties
