A man from Bunbury in Western Australia has been found guilty in court for falsely presenting himself as a registered medical doctor, following a prosecution by the national health regulator.
Legal Action by AHPRA
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) brought the criminal case against 34-year-old Ramchander Karingula. The prosecution centred on allegations that Mr Karingula claimed to be a registered medical practitioner, which is an offence under the National Law governing health professions.
The case was heard in the Bunbury Magistrates Court. The court found that Mr Karingula had committed the offence of holding himself out as a registered health practitioner when he was not. This is a serious breach designed to protect public safety.
Details of the Offence and Court Outcome
While the specific details of how Mr Karingula presented himself as a doctor were not fully disclosed in the public record, the legal framework is clear. The National Law strictly prohibits anyone from claiming to be registered under a health profession they are not authorised to practice.
The Bunbury Magistrates Court delivered its verdict, convicting Mr Karingula of the offence. As a result of the conviction, he was ordered to pay $2,000 in costs to AHPRA. The case serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences of misrepresenting professional credentials in the healthcare sector.
Regulator's Warning to the Public
Martin Fletcher, the CEO of AHPRA, issued a strong statement following the court's decision. He emphasised that the prosecution demonstrates the regulator's commitment to protecting the public from unregistered practitioners.
"This outcome sends a clear message that claiming to be registered as a health practitioner when you are not is a criminal offence," Mr Fletcher said. He urged all Australians to actively check the registration status of any health professional they intend to see.
The public can easily verify a practitioner's registration for free and instantly through the official Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency's online register of practitioners. This tool is a critical resource for ensuring individuals are receiving care from a qualified and authorised professional.
"We encourage anyone who has concerns about whether a health practitioner is registered to check the national register online," Mr Fletcher concluded. The case highlights the ongoing vigilance required from both regulators and the community to maintain safety and trust in Australia's healthcare system.
