A Dublin doctor is facing allegations of submitting fraudulent professional indemnity insurance certificates and incorrectly prescribing hormone replacement therapy to five patients, a Medical Council inquiry heard Friday. Dr. Chasib Al-Maliky, with an address in Artane, north Dublin, allegedly submitted the false certificates to his employers, Locomotion Limited and Centric Health, between February 14th, 2014, and June 14th, 2024.
The inquiry was told that Al-Maliky secured a permanent contract with Centric Health in April 2023 although working at the Donaghmede branch. Ray Motherway, Al-Maliky’s barrister, informed the committee that the doctor was absent due to ill-health and receiving treatment in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Triona Marnell, an expert witness, stated that it “beggars belief” that Al-Maliky “would treat patients without indemnity” and that doing so “for so long” was “concerning.” She testified that his actions exposed patients to potential harm and constituted professional misconduct. The allegations include periods where Al-Maliky lacked appropriate insurance between January 2015 and July 2017 while working at eight Centric Health practices in County Dublin, and again between July 2021 and March 2023 while working at ten practices in Dublin and one in Bray, County Wicklow.
The inquiry likewise heard evidence from a witness identified as “Dr X,” who works at Centric Health in Donaghmede. Dr. X testified that Al-Maliky worked at the practice from April 1st, 2023, to July 17th, 2023. During his time there, a locum doctor noticed Al-Maliky had prescribed oestrogen to a patient without also prescribing progesterone. Taking oestrogen without progesterone can increase the risk of uterine cancer by thickening the uterine lining, according to medical experts.
Following the discovery, a review of patients prescribed hormonal replacement therapy by Al-Maliky at the Donaghmede practice identified five individuals who received oestrogen without a corresponding progesterone prescription. Dr. X confirmed that none of the patients experienced any physical harm as a result of the alleged inappropriate prescribing. Centric Health notified the Medical Council of the prescribing issues on October 20th, 2023.
Patricia Dillon SC, legal assessor to the committee, advised that a finding of “disgraceful or dishonourable conduct” against Al-Maliky would be sufficient given the alleged actions. Dr. Marnell further stated that Al-Maliky’s conduct amounted to “disgraceful and dishonourable” behavior and a “serious falling short” of the standards expected of doctors.
Lorraine Inglis, human resources director with Centric Health Ireland, told a committee that issues with Al-Maliky’s certificates of insurance with the MPS came to light following an audit.
The committee will reconvene at a future date to announce its findings.