New developments in cancer patient’s death

Police say malpractice accusations against “all involved” have been withdrawn in the case of a female cancer patient who died two weeks ago, but the investigation remains open.

The case came to light following the death of 36-year-old Andri Savvidou from Limassol, who had a cancer scare back in November and was treated by local doctors in both private and public sectors.

Her condition had worsened and Savvidou was diagnosed with liver and lung cancer. The Health Ministry arranged for a transfer to Germany. But as soon as she checked in, doctors said she was in advanced stages of pneumonia and sepsis. She died in Berlin on February 1.

Savvidou’s mother, who launched a police complaint on Monday, accused all doctors, medical practitioners, and health administrators of medical malpractice in her daughter’s death.

But on Tuesday, during a visit at Limassol police district headquarters, the woman reportedly backtracked on the allegations against "all involved" in the wrongful death of her daughter. 

According to Cyprus Times, Savvidou’s family said they were grateful to all the doctors at Limassol General Hospital. A member of the family also expressed special thanks to Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Christina Yiannaki for “doing everything possible” in their case.

But police said there was still an open investigation following the initial complaint.

Police sources told Knews that investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID Limassol) were involved in an ongoing investigation.

Savvidou’s body was flown back to Cyprus where state forensic examiner Angeliki Papetta oversaw the post mortem on Monday and took tissue samples for further lab tests.

Knews understands that investigators are awaiting the results of a series of forensic and lab tests in order to establish the exact cause of death.