10 Mar 2010 5:47 p.m.
A doctor who altered his expired practicing certificate so that he could keep seeing patients has been found guilty of professional misconduct.
Dr Ratilal Ranchhod runs House Calls Services Ltd, providing medical visit services to Auckland rest homes, Auckland Prison and police.
The medical council decided in December 2008 not to issue Dr Ranchhod with an annual practicing certificate after a number of complaints to the Health and Disability commissioner.
Despite this, the doctor continued to practice medicine and in January 2009 he changed the dates on his certificate so it appeared valid.
The Health practitioners disciplinary tribunal has fined Dr Ranchhod $7,500, ordered him to pay $20,000 in costs and given him a two month suspension.