The debate about resource allocation in Healthwhich was done in the wrong field, at the wrong time, and using a completely wrong paradigm for terminal cancer patients, caused a storm of reactions from patients and doctors, and yesterday made a doctor and a member of the Greek Parliament give up the chance to seek re-election.

Report of EKPA professor of orthopedics and former member of parliament N.D. Spyros Pneumaticos to limit expensive medical procedures to patients with a poor prognosis, such as terminal cancer patients, with the phrase “at some point we have to draw a line, because it is too difficult to afford such expenses”, was not done in a scientific meeting with experts – knowledgeable in the subject. but in radio broadcast (SKY), with limited time on “radio air”, and no documented scientific counterpoint. And it was described by representatives of cancer patients as “dangerous.” As emphasized in her statement Hellenic Cancer Federation (HELLOK)“Such views are not far from leading public health down dark paths in which the individual is treated as a product rather than as a person with consciousness, feelings, needs and dignity.”

ELLOK notes that while discussions are ongoing to improve care for cancer patients through home treatment programs (on the morning of the announcements in question, ND President Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Agios Savvas Cancer Hospital where he was informed of the program), improving patient access towards innovative therapies and specialized medicine, and the development of palliative care structures for a life of dignity to the end, Mr. Pnevmatikos “decided to refer to cost-effectiveness methods, using terminal cancer patients as an example. “.

Such as marked with “K” ELLOK President Georgios Kapetanakis“totally inappropriate, illogical and out of time. Instead of discussing how to improve patient care, we are entering the process of placing a price on human life. There is so much clinical research on new treatments now that every day of life, every moment matters” He points out that “the health care system has many problems and areas of waste. If Mr. Pnevmatikos wants to contribute as a health worker, let him look in these areas for resources for the system.”

However, Mr. Pnevmatikos himself, in a social media post, apologized “to every citizen and patient individually”, noting that his words, “given the limited time I had to analyze such a complex issue”, were misinterpreted.