Te Rōpū Whakatika Kaimahi Hauora | He Whakataunga

Following a hearing held in October and November 2022, that was instigated by the Directors of Proceedings, the Tribunal found Dr Nagoor guilty of professional misconduct for failing to provide adequate and effective care to a patient.

Dr Nagoor failed to act on a report that indicated the patient had an invasive primary melanoma and inform the patient of these results. 

The patient only became aware of his diagnosis 6 months after the first consultation with Dr Nagoor and has since sadly died as a consequence of the melanoma.

The Tribunal found Dr Nagoor’s conduct was a significant departure from accepted standards of care by: First, failing to communicate the diagnosis. This included telling the patient that he did not have cancer, contrary to the results in the histology report.

Second, failing to act on the recommendations for further excision and referral for specialist care.

Dr Nagoor was censured, and his registration was suspended for three months. He was also fined $5000 and ordered that he pay 35% of the total costs of the Director of Proceedings and Tribunal, and the Tribunal imposed conditions if he returned to practice in New Zealand. Since Dr Nagoor has now moved to South Africa, the Tribunal recommended that the Medical Council notify the Health Professions Council of South Africa of the decision and orders.

A more detailed summary of the Tribunal’s decision is available here on the Council’s website.