A high-profile court decision in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has sent a warning signal throughout Spain’s healthcare system. A doctor who worked in public clinics in Telde has become the focus of a major investigation following a series of accusations of sexual harassment. The judiciary has taken unprecedented action, placing the suspect in custody without bail, underscoring the seriousness of the case and its potential implications for the country’s medical community.
According to El Pais, the 37-year-old doctor was arrested after a patient reported inappropriate conduct during an appointment to police in February. A specialized police unit soon joined the investigation, identifying ten more women who had experienced similar behavior from the doctor. All the victims were his patients at Servicio Canario de Salud facilities, and at the time of his arrest, the suspect was no longer employed in the regional healthcare system.
Investigation details
The court order, signed by Judge María Auxiliadora Díaz, is based on substantial evidence and witness statements collected during the preliminary investigation. The case materials cite charges relating to eleven incidents of sexual assault and multiple breaches of privacy. Investigators note the doctor’s actions lacked medical justification and were carried out under the guise of clinical procedures, which aggravates the severity of the accusations.
The court paid special attention to the imbalance of power between the doctor and his patients, noting the use of his professional status to manipulate and create a false sense of normality. As an additional measure, the court temporarily banned the suspect from practicing medicine in both public and private institutions. Both the Colegio Oficial de Médicos de Las Palmas and the Servicio Canario de Salud were informed of this decision.
Reaction and consequences
During the investigation, police searched the suspect’s home and seized electronic devices to analyze possible evidence related to privacy violations. According to El Pais, the doctor had previously been detained for similar incidents and had one prior conviction. This time, the court justified the arrest by citing the risk of repeat offenses, potential pressure on victims, and the threat of flight given the suspect’s financial situation.
The court proceedings are ongoing, and investigators do not rule out new complaints from other women. The court’s decision notes that the suspect took advantage of the patients’ vulnerability and the fact that many sought help in emergency situations. Recalling other high-profile cases involving violations in the medical sector, such incidents often spark significant public concern and prompt a review of oversight standards in healthcare institutions.
Context and support
Spain offers several hotlines and services to support victims of violence, including the 016 phone line, which operates 24/7 and is available in 53 languages. There is a separate line managed by Fundación ANAR for minors. In emergencies, you can call 112, 091, or 062, and use the ALERTCOPS app to send an alert with your location. These measures are particularly relevant as the number of reports about sexual harassment in medical institutions is on the rise.
In recent years, Spain has seen an increase in cases where medical professionals have become subjects of criminal proceedings related to patient rights violations. For example, accountability of officials and doctors in connection with tragedies in nursing homes has been debated in Madrid, an issue covered in detail in the piece about the shift in stance by the advisor of Ayuso on the Madrid nursing home case. Such cases highlight the need to tighten oversight and increase transparency in medical institutions, as well as the importance of promptly responding to patient complaints.
Judicial authorities remind that pre-trial detention decisions may be appealed within three days, and further appeals must be filed within five days with the Audiencia Provincial de Las Palmas. The investigation is ongoing and its outcome could influence healthcare practices in the Canary Islands and across the country.
In recent years, Spain has seen a rising number of cases involving violations of patient rights in medical institutions. In 2025, Barcelona reported an incident in which a doctor was suspended following allegations of harassment by several female patients. Similar investigations took place in Valencia and Seville, where courts also imposed temporary license suspensions and restrictions on the suspects’ professional activities. These events highlight the importance of systemic prevention and the need for swift responses to patient complaints to prevent further incidents.
