A 38-year-old man lost a compatible lung transplant after the Health Insurance Organisation failed to arrange his transfer to Athens in time, his family has alleged, prompting the Health Minister to order a fact-finding investigation.
According to a complaint made by the man’s mother on the Alpha Enimerosi television programme, the family was informed on 2 February that a compatible lung had been found in Athens and that her son would be transferred immediately to the Onassis Hospital.
However, no air ambulance was available and transfer via commercial flights also proved impossible within the required timeframe. The transplant was given to another patient.
The man’s lungs are 75 per cent destroyed, with a diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema.
“My son is confined to the house — he cannot go out because he is not allowed to fall ill,” his mother said. “The HIO did not get in touch to apologise. After this we decided to move to Athens so that when a transplant is found, we can go to the hospital immediately.”
The Health Minister has ordered a fact-finding investigation. The HIO, for its part, has cited tight timeframes and the need for better planning in the future.