A man is alleged to have stolen the name and qualifications of an Indian doctor to move to Australia and work as a 'doctor' for 11 years, reports The Australian.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) advised NSW Health in November 2016 that it was investigating Shyam Acharya.
He was being investigated for falsely holding himself out as a registered medical practitioner.
It is alleged Shyam Acharya appropriated another doctor’s name and medical qualifications while living in India.
He used these stolen and other fraudulent documents to gain registration falsely with the Medical Board of NSW in 2003.
He then went on to work as a junior doctor in the state health system, at Manly, Hornsby, Wyong and Gosford hospitals.
Later, Shyam was also granted Australian citizenship.
Shyam ceased working for NSW Health in May 2014.
The investigations have so far found only one clinical incident where there were concerns about the adequacy of the treatment. NSW Health has notified solicitors acting for the patient.
The Australian reports that the Medical Council of NSW and the Health Care Complaints Commission have advised they have received no complaints about Shyam Acharya.
“NSW Health’s recruitment processes have been strengthened since 2003,” a spokesman told the Australian.
“Since 2011, in addition to written references, direct verbal referee checks are required for all junior medical officers, including overseas-trained doctors — one from a current supervisor.”
Shyam Acharya now faces a fine of up to $30,000. But, at present his whereabouts are unknown, reports The Australian.
He has also come to the attention of the Australian authorities, namely the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
