In something that reads like the plot of Catch Me If You Can or Suits, a ‘doctor’ in NSW worked in the public health system for 11 years after obtaining fraudulent documents in India.
Shyam Acharya used them to gain registration with the Medical Board of NSW, NSW Health deputy secretary Karen Crawshaw said in a statement.
He worked as a junior doctor in Manly, Hornsby, Wyong and Gosford Hospitals from 2003 – 2014.
The board won’t say whether he’d any medical experience before working in Australia, but it seems unlikely he’d be able to totally fake such an important job.
Karen Crawshaw said his status as a junior doctor with limited registration meant he was subject to supervision.
Which doesn’t make us feel any better about the prospect of being treated in hospital by a fraud but there you go…
NSW Health also said one clinical incident involving a team Mr Acharya worked in was reported and the patient involved has been notified
Acharya faces a $30,000 fine for masquerading as a doctor if convicted but his whereabouts are currently unknown so it’s unclear whether he’ll even have to face court.
He’s believed to have fled overseas.
