Two women have been arrested in a major public health investigation after allegedly posing as qualified doctors and carrying out invasive medical treatments without proper certification in Santa Pola.
The arrests were carried out by the Guardia Civil, who say the suspects not only performed unauthorised medical procedures but also supplied prescription drugs using forged medical documents—placing patients’ health at serious risk.
Illegal Treatments in Private Homes
The investigation, codenamed Operation Ribosoma, was launched in early March by officers from the Guardia Civil’s Santa Pola investigation unit following a complaint from a local clinic manager. The report raised concerns about a woman attending the clinic as an observer who was suspected of acting as a doctor without qualifications. Missing clinic funds were also reported.
Early inquiries confirmed that the main suspect had been treating patients both in their homes and in her own residence. She allegedly administered psychotropic substances and other compounds intravenously, as well as offering anti-ageing treatments—all without any medical oversight or regulatory control.
Forgery Network for Prescription Drugs
Investigators later identified a second woman who played a key role in the operation. She is believed to have produced falsified medical prescriptions, enabling the illegal acquisition of medication from pharmacies.
Authorities also discovered that the suspects sourced drugs not only through forged prescriptions but also via shipments from abroad, bypassing legal pharmaceutical channels entirely.
Multiple Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Both women have now been detained. The primary suspect faces multiple charges, including professional misconduct, document forgery, offences against public health, fraud, and theft. The second suspect has been charged with document forgery.
So far, at least five individuals have been identified as having received treatment from the fake practitioner, although investigators believe more victims may come forward.
Court Proceedings and Public Warning
The suspects have been brought before the investigating court in Elche, where they were released pending trial under precautionary measures.
The Guardia Civil has issued a public appeal urging anyone who may have received treatment from these individuals to come forward. Potential victims are encouraged to report to any Guardia Civil station or contact authorities via 062 to receive guidance and prevent further health risks.
Authorities have stressed the serious dangers posed by unqualified individuals performing medical procedures, warning that such practices can have severe and lasting consequences for patients.
