GMC apologises for inadequate medical checks
The GMC says it's carrying out a full investigation into how a woman managed to practice psychiatry for 22 years without any qualifications.
Zholia Alemi falsely claimed to have a medical degree from her native New Zealand and was jailed last month for fraud in Cumbria.
The General Medical Council has apologised for inadequate checks.
CEO Charlie Massey said in a statement: “We recently became aware that Zholia Alemi used a fraudulent qualification to join the medical register in 1995 and worked as a doctor until June 2017. These are serious issues and we are investigating them urgently to understand how this happened. We have brought this to the attention of police and other agencies, including NHS England, so that they may also take any necessary action to support patients and answer any questions they may have.
“Our processes are far stronger now, with rigorous testing in place to ensure those joining the register are fit to work in the UK. It is clear that in this case the steps taken in the 1990s were inadequate and we apologise for any risk arising to patients as a result. We are confident that, 23 years on, our systems are robust and would identify any fraudulent attempt to join the medical register.
“Patients deserve good care from appropriately qualified professionals and place a great deal of trust in doctors. To exploit that trust and the respected name of the profession is abhorrent.”
Picture: Cumbria police
Published: by Radio NewsHub