Doctor practising medicine without insurance ‘beggars belief’, inquiry hears

A medical inquiry in Ireland is examining allegations of serious misconduct against Dr. Chasib Al-Maliky, focusing on claims of fraudulent insurance submissions and inappropriate medical prescriptions. The inquiry, which took place over two days, centers on whether Dr. Al-Maliky practiced medicine without valid professional indemnity insurance and whether his treatment of patients met acceptable standards.

Allegations of Fraudulent Insurance Claims

Dr. Al-Maliky, who has an address in Artane, north Dublin, is accused of submitting false certificates of professional indemnity insurance (PII) to Locomotion Limited and Centric Health between February 14th, 2014, and June 14th, 2024. Expert witness Dr. Triona Marnell stated that it “beggars belief” that a doctor would treat patients without indemnity, and doing so “for so long” was “concerning.”

Did You Know? Dr. Al-Maliky secured a permanent contract with Centric Health in April 2023 while working at the Donaghmede branch.

Concerns Over Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescriptions

The inquiry also addressed allegations that Dr. Al-Maliky prescribed oestrogen without also prescribing progesterone to five patients between April and July 2023, while working at Centric Health’s Donaghmede Medical Centre. A locum doctor identified this prescribing pattern in September 2023. Taking oestrogen without progesterone can increase the risk of cancer by thickening the uterus lining.

Patient Safety

Evidence presented to the committee indicated that, fortunately, none of the five patients who received the potentially inappropriate prescriptions experienced any physical harm. However, Dr. Marnell testified that Dr. Al-Maliky’s actions exposed patients to potential harm and constituted professional misconduct.

Expert Insight: The alleged failure to maintain professional indemnity insurance raises significant questions about a physician’s commitment to patient safety and accountability. Practicing without such insurance leaves both the doctor and the patients vulnerable in the event of an adverse outcome.

Inquiry Status and Potential Outcomes

Dr. Al-Maliky did not attend the two-day inquiry. His barrister, Ray Motherway, submitted that his absence was due to ill-health and ongoing treatment in the United Kingdom. Patricia Dillon SC, a legal assessor, advised the committee that a finding of “disgraceful or dishonourable conduct” would be a sufficiently serious outcome based on the evidence presented. The committee is scheduled to reconvene at a future date to announce its findings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific allegations were made against Dr. Al-Maliky?

Dr. Al-Maliky is alleged to have submitted fraudulent certificates of professional indemnity insurance to his employers between February 14th, 2014, and June 14th, 2024, and to have prescribed oestrogen without progesterone to five patients between April and July 2023.

Was any harm reported to patients who received the hormone prescriptions?

No, evidence presented to the inquiry confirmed that none of the patients who were prescribed oestrogen without progesterone suffered any physical harm as a consequence.

What could happen next in this case?

The Medical Council committee will reconvene to announce its findings. A possible outcome is a finding of “disgraceful or dishonourable conduct” against Dr. Al-Maliky, as suggested by the legal assessor.

How important is professional indemnity insurance for medical practitioners, and what protections does it offer to patients?

Doctor practising medicine without insurance ‘beggars belief’, inquiry hears – The Irish Times