Newsroom
Authorities in Athens have arrested the director of cardiac surgery at Hippocrates General Hospital over allegations that he demanded cash from patients.
According to police reports, the surgeon allegedly requested money from patients he was treating after heart operations, sometimes asking for up to 5,000 euros. The cash was reportedly delivered in small sachets, authorities said.
The case came to light after a report was made to the police’s internal affairs department. Notably, there have been no formal complaints from patients about the surgeon himself, police sources said.
Investigators are looking into whether the payments were linked directly to post-operative care or supervision provided by the surgeon. The arrest highlights ongoing concerns about corruption in medical settings, a sensitive issue in Greece, where trust between patients and doctors is crucial.
Hospital officials have not yet commented on the arrest, and authorities are continuing their investigation.
