The ministerial decree suspending an orthopaedic surgeon at the Hôpitaux Robert Schuman (HRS) states that the allegations against him are “substantiated and plausible”, raising suspicion that some of his surgical procedures could amount to “acts of a mutilating nature”, according to documents seen by RTL. The decree, signed by Health Minister Martine Deprez on 22 January, formally withdraws the surgeon’s authorisation to practise as an orthopaedic surgeon for three months.
The measure, which was first reported on Friday, applies solely to his surgical activity and does not revoke his general medical licence.
In the reasoning section of the decree, which spans around one and a half pages, the minister refers to concerns examined by the Medical College, which already issued an opinion on the case on 16 December. While the public prosecutor’s office has confirmed that it found no grounds for criminal charges after reviewing the file, the decree nonetheless states that there is a suspicion that certain procedures could be classified as mutilation.
According to the document, three medical experts – two orthopaedic specialists and a radiologist – confirmed the reported facts.
The case initially came to light after six doctors from the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL) raised concerns about the surgeon’s work with hospital management. The surgeon was subsequently suspended internally by HRS, before the Ministry of Health imposed a partial suspension of his professional authorisation.
The surgeon has one month to challenge the ministerial decree before the administrative court. His lawyer has described the decision as arbitrary and disproportionate, arguing that it violates the principles of the rule of law and causes unjustified and lasting damage to his client’s reputation.
Despite the allegations, the presumption of innocence applies. The public prosecutor’s office has reiterated that the file does not contain sufficient concrete and objective elements to pursue criminal proceedings. The matter has been referred back to the Medical College, which may initiate disciplinary proceedings or appoint an independent expert.
The surgeon remains suspended from practising at HRS. A meeting of the Medical Council is expected on Monday, at which the doctor concerned is due to be heard.
