A South Australian doctor has been banned from practising medicine after a tribunal found he committed serious professional misconduct by abusing the trust placed in him as a healthcare provider.
The doctor, Dr Aftab Cheema, was disqualified by the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) from applying for registration again as a health practitioner for five years. The tribunal also prohibited him from providing health services or using medical titles during that period.
The case involved a late-night home visit in March 2020, when Dr Cheema was working as a locum doctor. During the visit, the tribunal found he engaged in inappropriate behaviour towards a female patient, including making unwanted sexual advances. The tribunal described his actions as a serious violation of the doctor–patient relationship and a major breach of professional trust.
The tribunal heard that the doctor continued contacting the patient after the consultation, despite the patient not consenting to an ongoing personal relationship. The decision highlighted concerns about the misuse of a position of authority, where patients are often vulnerable and rely on doctors for care, support and professional guidance.
Medical regulators require doctors to maintain clear boundaries with patients. Professional standards prohibit practitioners from using their position to pursue personal or sexual relationships with current patients because of the imbalance of power and trust involved.
The tribunal found that Dr Cheema showed insufficient remorse and limited evidence of rehabilitation. It determined that stronger action was required to protect patients and maintain confidence in the healthcare system.
The decision follows a series of cases across Australia where medical practitioners have faced disciplinary action for inappropriate relationships or sexual misconduct involving patients. Regulators have repeatedly stressed that patient safety and trust must remain central to healthcare practice.
In another South Australian case, GP Indren Moodley was banned for four years after a tribunal found he exploited a vulnerable patient and seriously breached professional boundaries. The case reinforced that doctors have a responsibility to recognise and manage the power imbalance between themselves and patients.
Health authorities say patients who experience inappropriate behaviour from medical professionals can report concerns to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or relevant health complaints bodies.
The latest ruling highlights the importance of accountability within the medical profession and the need for strong protections for patients. While most healthcare professionals provide safe and ethical care, regulators continue to act against practitioners whose behaviour undermines public confidence in medical services.
For patients, the decision serves as a reminder that professional boundaries are a fundamental part of safe healthcare. Doctors are trusted with personal information, medical decisions and access to vulnerable moments in people’s lives, and that trust carries significant responsibilities.
