Doctor escapes punishment for misconduct

A DOCTOR who helped a brain damaged colleague sign a power of attorney in favour of his wife has escaped punishment.

Dr Nizar Merali, 57, of Wolsey Road, Northwood, assessed his former colleague after the doctor suffered alcohol related brain injuries and was unable to talk.

Merali claimed Dr Kantilal Parmar's ability to understand was 'eight out of ten' and he could therefore sign the power.

But this was disputed at the General Medical Council where it was revealed Dr Parmar scored zero out of ten on tests in India, where he fell ill.

Dr Parmar's wife Vasanti then withdrew an inheritance bond in favour of stepdaughter Kendal for £100,000.

She also cut her and sister Belinda from her father's will.

On Friday (28) Dr Jacqueline Mitton, chair of his hearing, said Merali's actions were not in the best interests of his friend and his failings amounted to misconduct.

She said: "The tests used by you to assess Dr Parmar's mental capacity were both inadequate and inappropriate.

"The panel has found that in confirming Dr Parmar had the necessary mental capacity to sign the power of attorney your actions were below the standard expected of a registered medical practitioner."

But despite the finding of misconduct, Dr Mitton said there was not enough evidence to suggest Merali's fitness to practise was impaired.

Although she considered issuing Merali with a warning, this too was dismissed as his misconduct was 'not sufficiently serious to undermine confidence in the medical profession'.

Merali, who denied wrongdoing, was found guilty of nine charges relating to his flawed assessment in 2005. He was cleared of dishonesty.

The doctor attended the two week hearing throughout.