Limassol Medical Association blasts clinic demolition.“They have uprooted a rose and put concrete in its place”

THE LIMASSOL Medical Association (LMA) yesterday issued a statement expressing its disappointment and frustration at the decision to demolish the former Tritoftides clinic on Makarios Avenue in Limassol.

“For us Limassolians, doctors and citizens, Tritoftides clinic was a point of reference,” the statement read. “We had made suggestions to all the relevant authorities that the clinic be turned into a medical museum, a library, a medical conference centre, or a multi-purpose space, which is a rarity in our town,” said Dr Marios Philippou, President of the LMA.

The LMA has actually founded a ‘medical museum’ and is in possession of considerable exhibits to place within it, but a venue has yet to be found.

“We are in possession of many medical objects, such as old machine equipment, tools, as well as books of historic value. Unfortunately, all these are in storage until we find the appropriate space to house the museum,” Philippou explained.

“Using cheap excuses, the state has not been able to keep its property, has transferred it to TEPAK, which in turn sold it for £3 million. They have cut out a rose and put a money-making concrete-block in its place. Congratulations to the state for winning £3 million,” Philippou said sarcastically.

Meanwhile, Dr Tritoftides’ widow told reporters of her sorrow over the development. Koulla Tritoftidou said her husband had sold the building to the state, thinking it would be used by the Ministry of Health.

Tritoftidou also expressed her disappointment that the 1950s structure had been left in decay for so many years. “For so long, the clinic was left to fall apart on its own, and nobody did or said anything. Now they care that it is being demolished,” she said.