Crackdown on illegal clinics in Madrid

NATIONAL Police officers dismantled six illegal clinics in Madrid.

Following the operation, eight people were detained, while two others were formally charged. They are all Chinese nationals.

They are being accused of allegedly impersonating doctors and of crimes against public health.

The detained would purportedly offer gynaecology, paediatrics and dentistry services, operate on patients and even carry out abortions in private residences, according to police sources.

In addition, the illegal clinics did not comply with the mandatory hygienic and safety requirements and were not registered in the Registry of Health Centres, Services and Establishments of the Community of Madrid.

As stated by law enforcement officials, they would especially advertise for Chinese nationals living in Madrid. To have more credibility, they would go so far as to use the logos, names and credentials of perfectly legal Spanish clinics and laboratories.

It appears one of the Chinese nationals placed under arrest faked a clinical analysis to make a patient believe he was suffering from a disease.

The patient allegedly went to the clinic complaining of stomach problems. The fake doctor performed a check-up and recommended further testing. When the tests came back clear, the doctor changed the results and claimed the patient was suffering from some form of hepatitis.

It appears the man impersonating a doctor charged the patient €3,500 and gave him unidentified pills made in China.

When the patient’s health did not improve, but actually worsened, he decided to go to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a serious stomach infection.

During the operation, police officers seized more than 300 medical instruments and 148,000 pills.