Bogus doctor allowed to take medical exam

A MAN arrested in Adra in 2009 for practising medicine without a license has been allowed to take exams which could lead to him becoming a resident intern doctor (MIR). The 65-year-old, identified as Andres Avelino Palomino Barrios and known as ‘El Chino’, was arrested on charges of practising medicine using forged qualifications.

In March, Guardia Civil launched an investigation when Andres was working as a paediatrician at Cordoba’s Valle de los Pedroches Regional Hospital in Pozoblanco.

He had been employed by the hospital as a result of his impressive résumé, which suggested that he had gained various degrees and diplomas in Peru, France and Spain.

Following complaints from colleagues, the Head of Paediatrics decided Andres should work under supervision.

When Andres became aware of this, he left without notice. Hospital management contacted the Guardia Civil who discovered that Andres’ qualifications were bogus.

They were shocked to discover that he had worked in the paediatric departments of various state hospitals across Andalucia, including Adra in 2007, as well as in Murcia and Cataluña.

He had worked a total of 662 shifts for the Andalucian health authorities (SAS).

During this time, in Adra alone, the health authorities received more than 20 complaints against him for misdiagnoses and prescribing the wrong medicine to children.

By mid-April, the authorities discovered that Andres may have been living in Adra. They located and arrested him and he was remanded.

On January 29 this year, he was given authorization by the Health Ministry to take the MIR exam.

By Jennifer Leighfield