A man is alleged to have stolen the name and qualifications of an Indian doctor to move to Australia and work in the health system for 11 years.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency advised NSW Health in November 2016 that it was investigating Shyam Acharya for falsely holding himself out as a registered medical practitioner and he now faces a fine of up to $30,000.
Mr Acharya, whose whereabouts are unknown, has also come to the attention of the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
It is alleged Mr Acharya appropriated another doctor’s name and medical qualifications while living in India and used these stolen and other fraudulent documents to gain registration falsely with the Medical Board of NSW in 2003. He went on to work as a junior doctor in the state health system, at Manly, Hornsby, Wyong and Gosford hospitals, and was also granted Australian citizenship — all in the name of the other doctor.
Mr Acharya ceased working for NSW Health in May 2014 and investigations have so far found one clinical incident where there were concerns about the adequacy of the treatment, although it is noted that Mr Acharya’s involvement was only as one of a number in the clinical team that treated the patient. NSW Health has notified solicitors acting for the patient.
The Medical Council of NSW and the Health Care Complaints Commission have advised they have received no complaints about Mr Acharya, who as a junior doctor was required to work under supervision.
“NSW Health’s recruitment processes have been strengthened since 2003,” a spokesman said.
“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.”