A MAN who allegedly stole an Indian doctor’s identity and falsely practised medicine for 11 years in four NSW hospitals, including at Gosford and Wyong, is on the run after being charged by health authorities.

Shyam Acharya allegedly stole medical qualifications while living in India and used these and other fraudulent documents to falsely gain registration with the Medical Board of NSW in 2003. He worked in the public health system from 2003 to 2014.

In what’s been described as a “shoddy Down Under version of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Catch Me If You Can”, he went on to work as a junior doctor in the state health system, at Manly, Hornsby, Wyong and Gosford hospitals, and was also granted Australian citizenship — all in the name of the other doctor.

media_camera “Do you concur?” ... Leonardo DiCaprio plays a fake doctor in 2002 movie Catch Me If You Can.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency advised NSW Health in November last year that it was investigating Mr Acharya — whose whereabouts are unknown — for falsely holding himself out as a registered medical practitioner and he now faces a fine of up to $30,000.

NSW Shadow Health Minister Walt Secord has demanded the government reveal the full extent of Mr Acharya’s activity.

“The State Government has to explain if all patients who have been treated by him have been contacted,” Mr Secord said. “It is incredible that this man could practice for 11 years and come into contact with hundreds of patients and go unnoticed.

“The Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, and his department have to explain: What does a fake doctor have to do in NSW to get caught?

“If this matter wasn’t so shocking, the details would read like a shoddy Down Under version of Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘Catch Me If You Can’.”

media_camera Shadow Minister for Health Walt Secord was at Gosford Hospital with Labor candidate for the Gosford by-election Liesl Tesch last week. Picture: Sue Graham

Mr Acharya has also come to the attention of the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

It is alleged Mr Acharya’s involvement was only as one of a number in the clinical team that treated patients. NSW Health has notified solicitors acting for the patient.

The Medical Council of NSW and the Health Care Complaints Commission have advised they have received no complaints about Mr Acharya, who as a junior doctor was required to work under supervision.

“NSW Health’s recruitment processes have been strengthened since 2003,” a department spokesman said.

media_camera An alleged fake doctor practised medicine at Gosford Hospital.

“Since 2011, in addition to written references, direct verbal referee checks are required for all junior medical officers, including overseas-trained doctors — one from a current supervisor.”

■ Anyone with concerns can contact Central Coast Local Health District on 4320 3920 or email cclhd-complaints@health.nsw.gov.au