*Content warning: This article contains details of alleged sexual abuse.*
The alleged abuse is said to have taken place between 2016 and 2017.
The Health Service Executive, the Irish Medical Council and An Garda Síochána are currently investigating complaints of suspected sexual abuse of unconscious patients by a doctor at Naas General Hospital, RTÉ reports.
According to RTÉ Investigates, the series of allegations involve Dr Aamir Zuberi, an anaesthetist.
The suspected instances of sexual abuse involve four patients. The concerns were brought up by staff members who informed the gardaí and hospital management.
The alleged sexual abuse is said to have taken place between 2016 and 2017.
In a statement, An Garda Síochána said that they are carrying out an investigation in liaison with Interpol after receiving a number of reports of sexual assault at the hospital.
In 2017, Dr Zuberi was put on administrative leave with pay as the investigation took place. He has since left Ireland and returned to his home country, Pakistan. The criminal case against him has been stalled as a result.
In a statement issued to RTÉ Investigates, the Irish Medical Council said: “On 20th March 2018, following an application by the Medical Council, the High Court made an Order which included an undertaking by Dr Zuberi not to engage in the practise of medicine until the resolution of a complaint before the Medical Council. That complaint has yet to be determined.”
As part of their investigation, RTÉ spoke with one patient who remained anonymous.
He said that he was told he was the victim of suspected abuse after he underwent surgery to remove his appendix.
The patient was informed of the the alleged abuse by An Garda Síochána, however he claims that in the four years since, he has not been contacted by the HSE or Naas General Hospital.
This evening, RTÉ Investigates will air A Patient’s Nightmare on Prime Time at 9:35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
If you have been affected by any of the details of this article, you can contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 77 8888.
