Nigerian Doctor Wrongly Suspended Gets Practice License Restored

U.K.-based Nigerian Dr. Bale Abiodun of Moston, Manchester, who had his practice license suspended by the U.K.’s Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), has had the suspension lifted by a court of appeal.

Dr. Abiodun was told Monday that he was free to return to work after an appeal court judge overturned an earlier suspension he received from the MPTS panel in 2016, according to Baronessj.

A graduate of the University of Lagos, Dr. Abiodun worked briefly as a gynecologist in Nigeria before moving to the U.K. and registering with the General Medical Council in 2006. In 2009, he earned his licence to practice medicine in the U.K.

In 2013, Dr. Abiodun, who was working at Hyndburn Medical Practice in Accrington, Lancashire, was charged with behaving inappropriately following allegations that he raised his voice and assaulted a female patient after she disagreed with his diagnosis.

Dr. Abiodun denied the charges, but a Burnley Crown Court found him guilty in 2014, after a two-day trial.

He was later cleared of any wrongdoing following an appeal, but a MPTS panel sitting in July 2016 found him guilty of inappropriate behavior and lying while under oath.

Thereafter, he was handed a nine-month suspension.

In his ruling overturning the suspension, Justice Collins, the presiding judge, told the court room that there had never been cause to question Dr. Abiodun’s skills or competence as a doctor, adding that it would be wrong to take any further action against him.

“I should say there is no indication that, before or since these events, he has behaved in any way which would be contrary to good practice as a doctor and there is no suggestion he is anything other than a competent practitioner.

“The tribunal was indeed wrong to find that what he had done was dishonest or that he had committed perjury before the criminal courts. In the circumstances of this case, having regard in particular to the suspension he has already served, it would be wrong to do other than take no action against him,” Justice Collins said.

Welcoming the ruling, Dr. Abiodun said the last four years since the charges were brought against him have been a horrible ordeal for him, his wife, their kids, and extended family.

“There have been great physical, psychological, social, and financial consequences of this case for me. My family and I have been put through unwarranted misery. Nobody should have to go through this.

“It is a wonderful concept in civilized societies like ours to protect patients, but somebody should also be looking out for doctors who have unfortunately found themselves in situations like mine,” Dr. Abiodun said.