Man allegedly stole Indian doctor’s identity and falsely practised medicine in four NSW hospitals

A MAN has been charged with falsely acting as a doctor for 11 years with stints at hospitals in Manly, Hornsby, Gosford and Wyong after assuming another doctor’s name.

GENERIC — Manly Hospital

A MAN has been charged with falsely acting as a doctor for 11 years, including stints at Manly Hospital.

It will be alleged that Shyam Acharya claimed another doctor’s name and qualifications while living in India then used these stolen and other fraudulent documents to gain registration falsely with the NSW Medical Board in 2003.

Karen Crawshaw, Deputy Secretary, NSW Health released a statement on Tuesday saying Mr Acharya would be charged for falsely holding himself out as a registered medical practitioner.

Karen Crawshaw released a statement on Tuesday.

It follows an Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency investigation which was launched in November.

He will be charged with a breach of section 116 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law — if convicted it would carry a fine of up to $30,000.

Mr Acharya allegedly used the fake identity to gain employment in the NSW public health system from 2003 to 2014 — he also worked at public hospitals in Gosford, Wyong and Hornsby.

His whereabouts are currently unknown.

Ms Crawshaw’s statement said: “His status as a junior doctor with limited registration required that he work under the supervision of other clinicians.

“Investigations of the two relevant local health districts have found only 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.”

She said NSW Health had 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 TO CONTACT:

Anyone with concerns can contact a patient representative at the relevant local health district:

Central Coast Local Health District Ph:. 02 4320 3920 or email [e-mail]

Northern Sydney Local Health District on 9462 9778 or [e-mail]