Tourists stitched up by Greek doctors

Last updated at 16:22 10 September 2003


Doctors on the Greek island of Corfu are issuing bogus medical advice in a bid to extract money from tourists, a major investigation has revealed.

BBC reporters found holidaymakers complaining of minor ailments while on the island were often told they had contracted serious diseases.

The investigation revealed the case of a 30-year-old teacher who was diagnosed as suffering from the fictitious 'Kavos cough'. Doctors prescribed her antibiotics and insisted upon a saline drip, all of which had to be paid for.

Doctors in the UK later confirmed 'no sign of a chest infection' after the teacher cut short her holiday and flew home.

A surgeon on Corfu has admitted patients may have paid for medical treatment they didn't need and vowed action would be taken against at least four doctors.

Locals on the island described the scam as 'a well-known racket that has been going on for decades in Corfu and in other resorts across Greece'.

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