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A chemotherapy IV in a patient's hand (Picture: Wikimedia Commons/Linda Bartlett)
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A chemotherapy IV in a patient's hand (Picture: Wikimedia Commons/Linda Bartlett)
Authorities investigating 5, not 70, deaths at German cancer clinic
The case surrounding deaths of patients after receiving treatment at alternative cancer clinic Klaus Ross Center in Germany, is smaller than expected. The German and Dutch authorities are investigating five suspicious cases, not 70 as reported in the media, the German judiciary said in a press conference on Friday, according to reporter Chris van Mersbergen tweeting from the press conference.
The German Public Prosecutor confirmed that many of the clinic's patients come from the Netherlands, but emphasized that they were "very very sick". Prosecutor Alex Stahl added that he "really has no idea" where the stories about 70 suspicious deaths came from.
The five patients in the investigation were all treated on the same day - July 27th. Three of them died, the other two survived. The judiciary could not say anything about their current condition. No bodies will be exhumed for the investigation.
The investigators are looking into whether glucose blocker 3BP was involved in the patients' deaths, but that is not certain yet. An exact cause of death must first be required. In his profession as a naturaopath, or natural healer, Klaus Ross is allowed to prescribe and give glucose blockers as a treatment. The authorities are investigating whether he is competent to do so. Ross has no criminal record.
The authorities also intend to still speak to the clinic founder Andre Hartel, who told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf in an interview that an error with 3BP led to the patients deaths.
According to Dutch newspaper AD, the German Prosecutor suspects Ross of manslaughter and inflicting grievous bodily harm. But legally he can not be arrested as there is no indications of intent. The Health Care Inspectorate in Vriesen, Germany filed charges against ross.