Tenerife Doctor Arrested Over Alleged Sexual Offenses During Consultations
A doctor in Tenerife has been arrested and is under investigation for alleged sexual offenses following reports of unjustified physical examinations performed on patients at a Primary Care center.
Healthcare safety is back in the spotlight following the arrest of a doctor in northern Tenerife. The National Police’s Family and Women’s Assistance Unit (UFAM) launched an investigation after several patients at a Primary Care center in Los Realejos reported that the physician performed unjustified physical examinations, which are now being investigated as sexual offenses.
The case has been referred to the Violence Against Women Court in La Orotava. Investigators from the Puerto de la Cruz-Los Realejos station identified a recurring pattern of behavior, and the consistency of the victims' testimonies led authorities to seal the case to protect the identities of those involved and ensure the investigation remains effective. Police are currently working to identify any further victims to determine the full extent of the doctor's actions. The suspect has already appeared in court.
This incident is part of a concerning series of similar cases across the Canary Islands, raising questions about the vulnerability of the doctor-patient relationship. Just last month, a doctor in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was imprisoned after being accused of eleven counts of sexual assault. In that case, the physician allegedly used his position to perform non-consensual touching under the guise of aesthetic medical procedures and harassed patients for personal reasons.
These recurring events have sparked debate regarding the oversight of Primary Care practices. In the Gran Canaria case, the court ordered the doctor’s imprisonment, suspended his medical license, and issued restraining orders following a lengthy investigation that included the analysis of his electronic devices. The similarities between these cases highlight the vital role of specialized police units in uncovering abuse that may be hidden behind the facade of routine medical consultations.