The case surrounding suspended orthopaedic surgeon Philippe Wilmes has entered a new phase, with the public prosecutor now involved.
Health Minister Martine Deprez confirmed on Wednesday morning before the relevant parliamentary committee that the ten cases examined in the expert report have been formally referred to the public prosecutor. She stressed that, to the best of her knowledge, each case had been fully documented and analysed in a balanced manner.
The discussion during the committee session focused on the report by three experts, who unanimously concluded, after reviewing ten specific cases, that Dr Wilmes had carried out unjustified knee procedures. Based on these findings, the doctor's provisional suspension was extended by a further 21 months.
Deprez confirmed that she had transmitted the ten cases to the prosecutor on Tuesday. At this stage, she said she sees no reason to reopen the case, unless such a decision were to result from an appeal before the administrative court, noting that the current expert report is clear.
Both the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) and The Greens (Déi Gréng) said they respect Deprez' decision based on the report.
The Medical Council is now expected to continue its investigation, while the prosecutor will assess whether any criminal elements are involved, as underlined by former Health Minister Mars Di Bartolomeo of the LSAP. He added that there is no reason to question the experts' findings.
In a live interview on Wednesday morning, Greens MP Djuna Bernard also commented on the Wilmes case ahead of the health committee meeting.
