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PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Monday urged the public to be cautious after a 39-year-old man appeared in a magistrate’s court charged with three offences under the Medical Board Act.
The TTPS said that Timothy Malchan was charged with using medical titles and descriptions while not registered, assuming the title of doctor while not registered and diagnosing human ailments while not registered.
Malchan appeared before Magistrate Ali at the Arima Third Magistrates’ Court, where he entered a plea of not guilty and was granted TT$50,000 (one TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) own bail and is scheduled to re-appear in court on June 17 next year.
The police said that the charges stem from an investigation launched in January 2025, following a report by Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA), where it was alleged that Malchan had been contacting ERHA patients to discuss their confidential medical records and subsequently requesting payment for these “consultations.”
“Extensive investigations conducted at the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago revealed that Mr. Malchan was not registered as a medical practitioner, nor was he registered in the specialities of Cardiovascular Disease, Thoracic Surgery, or Cardiothoracic Surgery, despite advertising himself as such,” the TTPS said.
It said investigations also revealed that he had never been registered with any of the boards under the purview of the Council for Professions Related to Medicine, and that further inquiries revealed that Malchan was operating out of an office “ which was being advertised both on social media and on the exterior of the building”.
The police said covert operations were done, which revealed that the doctor performed a medical procedure and gave medical advice for a fee.
Last Wednesday, police said that they launched an intelligence-led operation and that during this exercise, investigators executed a search warrant at the suspect’s office, where several records were seized.
Malchan was then formally charged with the three offences listed above.
“The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service urges members of the public to remain vigilant when seeking medical services. Protect your health and safety by verifying the qualifications and credentials of healthcare providers.
“Be cautious of unlicensed practitioners or individuals making exaggerated claims. Always research a provider’s reputation, check for reviews, and confirm their licensure with the relevant authorities. Do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or report any suspicious activity,” the TTPS said, adding it remains committed to safeguarding citizens and will continue to “vigorously pursue individuals who attempt to exploit vulnerable persons through fraud or deception|.
