Punta Gorda Radiologist to Be Placed on Interdiction Following Sexual Assault Allegation
Desmond Arzu
Last night, we told you that thirty-nine-year-old radiologist Desmond Arzu has been charged for the crime of sexual assault. The charge stems from a complaint that was brought against him by a patient back in March. The twenty-three-year-old alleges that while attending clinic in Punta Gorda to undergo an ultrasound, the radiologist sexually assaulted her. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has since issued a release condemning sexual misconduct and assault by those entrusted in their care. The ministry noted that the medical practitioner is employed with the ministry and that the alleged incident took place inside a private health facility. Now that a charge has been levied against the radiologist, the ministry also says that it has written to the Ministry of Public Service to request that the doctor be placed on interdiction. Back in March, Kevin Bernard, the Minister of Health and Wellness, told reporters that his ministry is taking the allegation very seriously.
Kevin Bernard
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness [File: March 31st, 2023]
“All I will answer to this letter at this point, and I take it very seriously, all my comment will be at this point is that I have asked the Director of Hospital Services to take quick action, to investigate. Of course there is a process. This specific doctor, while it was his private clinic, works with the Western Regional Hospital. And so because of the allegation – and we have to claim it as an allegation first – it has to go through the Public Service Commission. These complaints have to go to the Public Service Commission and the Medical Council. And so I will leave it at that for now until that can take its necessary due process, I cannot really make any further comment. But all I can say is that we take that allegation very seriously and we are going to ensure that we act swiftly. If it turns out to be true, then all necessary actions will have to be taken.”
