Suspended GP can come back despite offence

DOCTOR'S FITNESS TO PRACTISE 'NO LONGER IMPAIRED' AFTER FRAUD CONVICTION

- By OSCAR FISHER

A DERBYSHIRE doctor's fitness to practise has been deemed “no longer impaired” by a tribunal after serving a criminal sentence and several suspensions.

It comes after Dr Praveen Alla was convicted at Northern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court of fraud by abuse of position back in October 2020, after allegations that he misdirected prescriptions.

He was also found to have been dishonest with his fellow colleagues at Welbeck Road Health Centre, Bolsover, after he was confronted about their concerns regarding prescriptions.

In December 2020, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 24 months, and was required to undertake rehabilitation activities.

A report into Dr Alla’s fitness to practise stated that he made admissions to the entirety of the allegations, and in 2022 it was decided that he had demonstrated insight and expressed genuine remorse.

At the time, he was still serving his suspended sentence and, therefore, it was decided to suspend his registration for three months.

In spring 2023, once Dr Alla’s suspended sentence had expired and there had been no further offending, another tribunal determined that there remained concerns, and that there was still a “significant risk” that he may commit similar fraudulent acts. A further four month suspension was imposed.