A doctor from South Auckland, who was recently found guilty of carrying on a medical practice without a valid and current practicing certificate, in addition to forging a certificate, has already resumed practice, after a mere two months of suspension.

A Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal decision, which was made public only last week, had discovered that Ratilal Magan Ranchhod was guilty of practicing without a valid certificate from 2008 through 2009, in addition to being guilty of forging a certificate.

The tribunal, in response, ended up censuring him, and slapping a fine of $7500. In addition, he was ordered to pay $20,000 in costs. He was then suspended from practicing for two months, starting December 18.

As has been shared by the Medical Council Chairman John Adams, the council has now provided Dr. Ranchhod with an "interim practicing certificate", which would allow him continue with the medical practice till May, providing him with enough time to get "back into the usual cycle of application" for an yearly practicing certificate.

Dr. Adams stressed that the council "managed concerns around Dr Ranchhod's competence effectively once complaints were brought to our attention", while outright rejecting criticism that the council was too slow in taking an action.