Philipsburg: --- Police and health officials raided an apartment building in Saunders. The building in question is located in the area of the Metal Factory where they found a makeshift dental clinic.
Police seized several medical equipments and medicine from the illegal clinic while the occupant of the apartment and dental clinic was immediately detained.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in a press release said that based on newspaper advertisement and information gathered at the department of public health based in Curacao it was suspected that the clinic was operating illegally on the island.
Based on the suspicions two medical doctors and an inspector from the Public Health Inspection flew over from Curacao to investigate the matter.
On Thursday evening October 15 at approximately 08.00 p.m., the inspectors assisted by two police officers went to an apartment building.
The occupant of the apartment, Henson said the man with initials E.L. from the Philippines was informed of the reason of the visit after which he freely gave them access to his apartment to conduct their investigation. At the rear of the apartment adjacent to his sleeping quarters, a complete dental clinic was set-up from which E.L. was operating from on a daily basis. Many dental tools, equipment, and medication used to administer to patients in treatment were found and confiscated for further investigation.
E.L. was detained on the spot. A further investigation revealed that the suspects documentation to reside on the island had expired and no documents for renewal were filed or in process. He was taken to the Philipsburg Police station. The public prosecutor was informed of the situation and a hefty fine was handed down to the suspect. The suspect will also remain in custody until all arrangements are made for him to travel back to his country.
One other location in Frontstreet was investigated and also found to performing illegal medical practices. The owner of this establishment also received a heavy fine.
A stern warning is going out to all those establishments that are performing illegal medical practices, that if caught in the act, they to will receive a very heavy fine.
