Woman sentenced to 20 months' fine for practising as unqualified podiatrist in Tenerife pharmacies
The Criminal Court Number 1 of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has sentenced a woman for practising as a podiatrist without qualifications or professional registration in several pharmacies on the island.
Unqualified podiatrist sentenced for professional misconduct in Tenerife pharmacies
The Criminal Court Number 1 of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has sentenced a woman for practising as a podiatrist in various pharmacies in Tenerife without possessing the official academic qualification or being registered with the Official College of Podiatrists of the Canary Islands, according to ABC.
The judge found her guilty of professional misconduct and imposed a sentence of 20 months' fine with a daily quota of six euros.
Scalpels, micromotor and cutting instruments
It was proven at trial that the accused performed acts typical of the podiatry profession in different establishments on the island, using specific instruments such as scalpels, a micromotor and cutting and piercing materials. Additionally, she issued diagnoses of foot pathologies, recommended insoles and prescribed treatments to patients.
Among the facts established by the court are the measurement of the plantar arch, the detection of biomechanical abnormalities, the recommendation of orthopaedic and prosthetic treatments, and the treatment of conditions such as ingrown toenails. The defendant also issued certificates and invoices in which she identified the services provided as "podiatry consultations".
Warned since 2018
The court ruling states that the defendant was fully aware that she could not practise as a podiatrist in Spain. The Official College of Podiatrists of the Canary Islands had required and warned her since 2018 for lacking the necessary qualifications.
The proceedings were initiated following a complaint filed by the same professional college in November 2021, after collecting documentary evidence, recordings and testimonies that allowed the illegal practice of the healthcare profession to be established.
Professional college welcomes the ruling
The Official College of Podiatrists of the Canary Islands has welcomed the ruling, which is not yet final, considering that it strengthens patient protection and healthcare safety. The college emphasises that the practice of podiatry requires an official university qualification and mandatory professional registration, and that professional misconduct poses a risk to health when diagnoses, treatments or invasive procedures are performed without the legally required qualifications.
Source: ABC