A Cuban citizen was apprehended in central Chile after authorities discovered he was practicing medicine without the necessary credentials. The arrest took place in La Calera, following an investigation that unveiled his use of forged documents to work as a healthcare professional at a local family health center (Cesfam). This information was reported by local media.
Authorities revealed that the individual, whose name remains undisclosed, was providing medical services without being registered with the Chilean Medical Association or having his degree validated in the country. The situation came to light when he was asked to present the National Single Examination of Medical Knowledge (Eunacom), which he apparently had falsified.
Despite being exposed, he continued to offer private consultations in the Quilpué area, where he was ultimately detained by the Criminal Investigation Brigade (Bicrim) of La Calera.
Subprefect Octavio Estévez Verales, head of the Criminal Investigation Brigade in La Calera, informed El Observador that the arrest was the culmination of an investigation initiated last October at the behest of the local Prosecutor's Office. "Today, we successfully detained a Cuban national who was illegally practicing as a general physician with a specialty in traumatology," Estévez stated.
"Through various investigative efforts, we managed to locate him in multiple healthcare facilities within both the public and private sectors. Finally, today we tracked him down to a clinical center in Quilpué, which facilitated the issuance of the necessary arrest warrant," he added.
Juan Sebastián de la Fuente, the chief prosecutor of La Calera, officially charged the Cuban with practicing without a license and forging public documents. The accused has been placed under the precautionary measures of national confinement and a monthly check-in, with the investigation set to continue for 150 days.
Understanding the Legal Implications of Unlicensed Medical Practice in Chile
What are the legal consequences of practicing medicine without a license in Chile?
In Chile, practicing medicine without a valid license can lead to criminal charges, including imprisonment and fines. It is considered a serious offense due to the potential harm to patients and the violation of public trust.
How does the Chilean government verify medical credentials for foreign doctors?
Foreign doctors must register with the Chilean Medical Association and validate their degrees. This process includes passing the National Single Examination of Medical Knowledge (Eunacom) to ensure their qualifications meet local standards.