The State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY) said it launched an immediate preliminary investigation after reports and complaints concerning a case at Larnaca General Hospital, where a man’s body was found in the mortuary after his relatives had reportedly been searching for him.
In a statement, OKYPY said the review began “as soon as the matter was brought to its attention”, within the framework of transparency and accountability that governs its operation.
How the case unfolded, according to OKYPY
According to the statement, the patient was taken by ambulance to the Accident and Emergency Department of Larnaca General Hospital on 19 March 2026, where he underwent the necessary medical examinations. Doctors then deemed it necessary for him to be admitted for treatment.
During his hospitalisation, his condition deteriorated. On 26 March 2026, he suffered a serious deterioration in his health and was given medical and pharmaceutical care. OKYPY said the patient died later the same day.
According to the statement, two attempts were made to contact the registered authorised contact person, but there was no response.
After the death was certified, the hospital informed the competent police authorities and requested their assistance in locating and notifying the deceased man’s relatives, as provided for under the relevant procedures. The hospital also forwarded all available contact details contained in the patient’s medical file.
“In the absence of immediate contact with a relative, the body was transferred to the mortuary in accordance with the prescribed procedures. Further communication then took place between the competent services for updates on the progress of the relevant actions,” the statement said.
OKYPY also said that, based on the review carried out so far, there was no evidence confirming claims that information had been given stating that “there is no such patient”.
It added that there was no indication that the patient had been removed from any information system. On the contrary, OKYPY said the relevant entries concerning his admission, hospitalisation, outcome and subsequent procedures remain recorded.
According to OKYPY, the preliminary review showed that the prescribed procedures were followed, including attempts to contact the registered person, notification of the competent authorities after the death was certified, a request for assistance in locating and informing relatives, the forwarding of available contact details, and compliance with procedures for recording and handling the case.
OKYPY expressed its sincere condolences to the relatives of the deceased and reiterated its commitment to continuing to investigate matters concerning the provision of health services and the safeguarding of public trust.
