Fukuoka Clinic Director Charged for Unlicensed Peruvian Doctor, June 06

Police referred a 70-year-old clinic director and a 60-year-old Peruvian man for prosecution on June 5 for violating Japan’s Medical Practitioners Act. The director allegedly allowed the unlicensed man to perform medical procedures on patients at Garden Hills Women’s Clinic in Fukuoka from May to August 2023. A woman who gave birth at the clinic suffered severe postpartum bleeding and required three days of intensive care at another hospital.

How the Violation Was Discovered

The unlicensed medical work came to light when a patient experienced heavy bleeding after delivery. Hospital staff at the facility where she was transferred noted that no licensed physician accompanied her, raising red flags about the clinic’s practices. This observation led authorities to investigate the Peruvian man’s credentials and uncover that he held no valid Japanese medical license.

What Medical Acts Were Performed

According to investigators, the Peruvian man performed abdominal compression during childbirth and external manipulation to reposition the fetus. The patient reported receiving these procedures without proper explanation or informed consent. She stated that staff simply told her the baby was in the wrong position and would be repositioned, then performed the abdominal compression without warning.

Clinic Director’s Knowledge and Response

Police believe the clinic director knew the Peruvian man lacked a Japanese medical license yet hired him as a physician anyway. The man held a Peruvian medical license but was not authorized to practice in Japan. The clinic later stated through its website that some reported facts differ from the clinic’s account and promised to cooperate with legal proceedings.

Patient Impact and Ongoing Concerns

The woman who underwent the unauthorized procedures told media she felt betrayed after learning the truth post-delivery. She said that seeing a person in a white coat at a hospital made her assume they were a doctor. When she asked the clinic for explanation, staff claimed they did not know who performed the procedures. The incident has left her struggling to trust medical professionals. The Peruvian man has already left Japan.

Final Thoughts

The case exposes a serious breach of Japan’s medical licensing system. Patients at medical facilities must verify that practitioners hold valid Japanese credentials, not assume qualifications based on appearance or workplace setting.

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