Doctor arrested over alleged sexual assaults on female patients in Tenerife
A doctor working in northern Tenerife has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting several female patients during medical appointments at a public health centre in Los Realejos.
The arrest followed complaints from women who alleged they were subjected to inappropriate touching during consultations at a Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) primary care clinic. According to investigators, the alleged touching involved intimate areas of the body and had no medical justification.
The investigation is being led by officers from the National Police station in Puerto de la Cruz-Los Realejos, with support from the specialised Family and Women’s Care Unit (UFAM), which deals with cases involving sexual offences and domestic violence.
Police sources said statements given by the women shared key similarities and pointed to a repeated pattern of behaviour by the doctor. Investigators have kept details of the case confidential to protect the identities of the alleged victims and to avoid affecting the ongoing inquiry.
Officers are now trying to identify other possible victims who may have experienced similar incidents during appointments with the same doctor. The aim is to establish the full scale of the alleged offences.
The case has been referred to the Court of Violence Against Women in La Orotava, where the doctor has appeared before a judge.
The arrest comes just weeks after another doctor in Gran Canaria was remanded in custody over separate allegations of sexual assault involving female patients at several health centres. In that case, the suspect is being investigated for 11 alleged offences and has been temporarily banned from practising medicine.
Investigators in Gran Canaria claimed the doctor allegedly touched women inappropriately during appointments for issues such as anxiety, flu symptoms and back pain. Police later identified additional alleged victims after the initial complaints were made.
Authorities have urged anyone who believes they may have been affected to contact the National Police.
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