Cannock doctor who missed cancer allowed to carry on working

Aug 15 2010 by Jonny Greatrex, Sunday Mercury

Rabin Apta

A BUNGLING doctor who was suspended after missing a golf ball sized tumour in a patient three times has been allowed to return to work.

Rabin Apta failed to identify tell-tale signs of cancer despite repeated visits from the middle-aged victim to his Midland surgery. Iinstead of urgently referring her to a specialist, he told her she had piles.

In January the General Medical Council (GMC) banned the blundering medic from practising for six months. But regulators have now said the GP, from Weeping Cross, near Stafford, can return to medicine under strict conditions.

A GMC panel told Dr Apta: “You have taken some steps towards addressing the concerns raised regarding your clinical performance.

“In all the circumstances we are satisfied we can devise conditions which will adequately protect patients.”