A plastic surgeon has been handed a 12-month suspension after he was caught working without registration at a prestigious Harley Street clinic and then lying about his identity to health inspectors.
The Day of the Inspection
On November 14, 2023, four inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) arrived at a clinic located at 41 Harley Street. They were responding to public complaints that surgical procedures were being performed there without the necessary CQC registration.
Dr Sayed Mia was in a consultation room with a patient when the inspectors entered. After the patient was moved to a waiting area, Dr Mia attempted to leave, heading for the lift with his suitcase. When stopped, he gave a false name, Ahmed Munda, and provided incorrect contact details, including a telephone number and three email addresses.
He told the inspectors he was a patient at the clinic for a meeting about a procedure. However, his own patient intervened, informing officials that Dr Mia was the doctor he had come to see. Dr Mia then claimed he was a "scientist not a medical doctor" before departing the premises.
A Pattern of Dishonesty
Using open-source research, the CQC identified the doctor and contacted him on December 6, 2023. Dr Mia apologised, stating he had lied because he feared the inspectors were from a former employer sent to intimidate him and that he was worried about deportation. He claimed he had only worked at the clinic for that single day.
This account was proven false. Records showed Dr Mia, who performs liposuction and male breast reduction surgeries, had been working at the clinic since October 2023 and had carried out procedures on eight patients. The GMC also found he later received payment for this work.
Furthermore, when applying for a position at Manchester Private Hospital, Dr Mia failed to declare his employment at the Harley Street clinic in a declaration form dated January 3, 2024.
Tribunal Findings and Suspension
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, operated by the General Medical Council (GMC), found Dr Mia's conduct amounted to serious misconduct. The tribunal stated he had "failed to act honestly and with integrity" and showed a "deliberate disregard for professional standards."
It determined that Dr Mia had deliberately misled inspectors to avoid an investigation, partly due to fears it would impact a separate, unrelated GMC probe he was already facing. The tribunal concluded that in his drive for "self-preservation," Dr Mia had disregarded patient safety and put his own interests first.
Despite the serious findings, the tribunal decided against striking him off the medical register. It noted Dr Mia, who is now working in South Africa, had fully engaged with the regulatory process and expressed remorse. He was suspended for 12 months and has 28 days to appeal the decision.
