A 39-year-old man has been charged with illegally practicing medicine after an investigation revealed he contacted hospital patients to discuss their confidential medical records and charged fees for consultations, despite not being a registered medical practitioner.
Timothy Malchan of Bon Air North, D’Abadie, appeared before Magistrate Ali at the Arima Third Magistrates’ Court on November 20th, facing three charges under the Medical Board Act. He pleaded not guilty to using medical titles while not registered, assuming the title of doctor while not registered, and diagnosing human ailments while not registered.
Malchan was granted $50,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court on June 17, 2026.
The charges stem from an investigation launched in January 2025 following a report by the Eastern Regional Health Authority. The ERHA alleged that Malchan had been contacting their patients to discuss confidential medical records and subsequently requesting payment for these consultations.
Investigations conducted by the Anti-Corruption Investigations Bureau at the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago revealed that Malchan was not registered as a medical practitioner. He was also not registered in the specialties of Cardiovascular Disease, Thoracic Surgery, or Cardiothoracic Surgery, despite advertising himself as such, according to police.
Authorities determined that Malchan had never been registered with any of the boards under the purview of the Council for Professions Related to Medicine.
Investigators discovered that Malchan was operating from an office at the corner of St. Joseph and Sanchez Streets in Arima, which he advertised on social media and on the exterior of the building. Covert operations revealed he performed medical procedures and provided medical advice for a fee, police said.
On Tuesday, November 19, an intelligence-led operation coordinated by DCP Intelligence and Investigations Natasha George and ACP White-Collar Crime Vena Butler resulted in the execution of a search warrant at the suspect’s office. Several records were seized during the operation, which was led by Senior Superintendent Avinash Singh, Superintendent Theodore-Persad, and Assistant Superintendent Nanan.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is urging members of the public to remain vigilant when seeking medical services. Authorities advise citizens to verify the qualifications and credentials of healthcare providers, be cautious of unlicensed practitioners or individuals making exaggerated claims, and confirm licensure with relevant authorities.