Beware of fake physicians - Doctors association urges Jamaicans to be vigilant

The Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA) is urging members of the public to check with the Medical Council of Jamaica to verify if a physician is licensed.

The warning comes after an alleged 'fake doctor' has been held by police.

JMDA President Dr Elon Thompson told our news team: "Whenever citizens are doubtful regarding the qualification of someone claiming to be a physician, this can be checked with the Medical Council with which the person would have had to be registered."

Our news team understands that the woman, who operates in western Jamaica, has been identified as Alicia Patrice England.

She was held less than 48 hours after an advisory was issued by the Fraud Squad detectives in relation to a woman being wanted for breaches of the Medical Act and the Larceny Act.

She is also reportedly known to call herself England McCrane or Dr McCrane.

THE STAR gathered that in one case being probed by the Fraud Squad, England is alleged to have treated a two-year-old, fraudulently wrote prescriptions, and collected hundreds of thousands of dollars as payment.

The police said that persons in St James are believed to have been victims of the scam and are being asked to contact the Fraud Squad.

Our news team was told that the necessary steps have since been taken to advise pharmacists to maintain vigilance and not to dispense medications prescribed by 'Dr England McCrane'.

Investigations are ongoing.