The Public Ministry today pushed for a 'guilty' verdict for the Dutch ophthalmologist Dr. Franciscus Versteeg who ran the I-QMed clinic in Lagoa’s business park.
Prosectors consider that Dr Versteeg "committed gross negligence" in the treatment of four people undergoing eye surgery in 2010 which left them with varying degrees of visual impairment.
The prosecution alleges that the patients were left partially blinded after being operated on at the I-QMed clinic.
The Doctor’s lawyer disagrees with the prosecution’s push for a prison sentence and has said that should Dr. Versteeg be found guilty, then a fine would be the appropriate penalty.
Dr. Versteeg’s patients have claimed a total of €200,000 in the Portimão court.
According to the prosecution, Dr. Versteeg failed to carry out proper disinfection and cleaning of the premises and operating area when he carried out surgery in July 2010.
Dr Versteeg has remained in Holland due to 'financial constraints' and is being represented in Portimão court by a nominated lawyer.
The case caused widespread concern at the time with patients having to be transferred to the public health service for treatment.
Comments
Maybe that's only "standard procedure" isn't it ....
It is well known that a great deal of sub standard medical supplies are travelling through the Portuguese health system. And C.Diff and similar hospital sourced ailments are routine here.
It is also certain that this fellow did not have total control of his business. Almost certainly operating in a Portuguese owned building and employing un-trained Portuguese assistants as favours.
Who may themselves have bought the disinfectant or carried out the supposed sterilisation. But who have now disappeared or concocted their alibi's.
The Dutchman staying away is nothing to hold against him. It is common sense and something more north Europeans should do when being dragged into a Portuguese court process. These have only a slightest connection with the custom elsewhere of seeking the truth and punishing a wrong doer. Being far more an income generator.
Amongst the most surreal stage is 'saneomento'. Cleaning. Checking that all the legal procedures have been followed. What a painful laugh !!!