OSAC for elderly woman who drank bleach: Unacceptable delay in investigation

In a statement, the OSAK denounces the delay in the investigation of the case of an elderly woman who died after swallowing a caustic liquid in a hospital.

On the occasion of last year's incident that saw the light of day again recently, regarding the elderly woman who met a horrible death after swallowing a caustic liquid in G.N. Nicosia, the Cyprus Patient Association Federation and the Cyprus Senior Citizens Observatory issued a joint statement:

"As two organizations dedicated to the defense of the human rights of patients and the elderly in our country, we are extremely disappointed by the state's attitude towards clarifying incidents of abusive behavior against elderly patients and convicting the guilty. We are disappointed because despite the assurances, both from the OKYPY and the government, that all cases are investigated and measures are taken, this incident came to light again to remind us that in Cyprus we know very well how to hide the dust under the carpet.

How is it possible that after almost a year and a half there is no conclusion from the Police and OKYPY about an incident that cost the life of an elderly woman in a very painful way? How is it possible that the Director of G.N. Nicosia not to at least demand to know what exactly has happened and to react? Because it seems that age plays an important role in raising the awareness of some to take action, we demand from the President of the Republic, the Minister of Justice and Public Order, the Minister of Health, the Cyprus Police, the House of Representatives and the OKYPY to assume the responsibilities that it is up to them to explain to the Cypriot people why this particular case, like many others, has not yet been clarified and has not taken the path of justice in order to punish the guilty in an exemplary manner.

We call on the President of the Republic to finally start a social dialogue to address the daily problems faced by the elderly in our country, to put a stop to the abuse of the elderly and to stop ageist racism. We are ready to support with all our strength, actions to combat these attitudes and to intensify the fight we started to defend the rights of our patients and the elderly at all levels".