Humanitarian doctor pledges to carry on

The doctor says providing care overseas is 'very rewarding'. Photo / Getty

A Kiwi doctor disciplined for practising without a medical licence has spoken out about his humanitarian work overseas, including brushes with malaria and surviving two bus crashes.

For 30 years the doctor, who has name suppression, has provided care for people around the globe.

He told NZME News Service he provided care for everything from broken bones to serious diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis.

His travels include a mission to the semi-desert territory of Somaliland - independent from Somalia - where he was required by law to have three armed soldiers with him at all times.

"There is always a risk of bus and plane accidents. I try and stay away from war."

The doctor said he chose his career path to help people who did not have the necessary medical assistance.

"When I was young I wanted to work for poor people, particularly in poor countries.

"It's very rewarding."

He returns to New Zealand regularly to work as a doctor to fund his travels and to recruit volunteers.

"We are a very lucky country, everything is available to us."

The doctors shows no sign of slowing down.

"As long as I'm healthy I'm going to continue."

At a medical tribunal this week, the doctor admitted treating patients in New Zealand without a current practising certificate. He was ordered to pay a share of costs.

He said he was unaware his application for a two-week practising certificate was still being processed when he begun practising at a North Island medical centre. He said he stopped working at the practice when he was told of this.

A second charge of ordering unusually large quantities of medical supplies was dismissed.

"I was disappointed with the costs [ruling] as I don't know how I'm going to pay it but I'm working on a plan," he said.

It was likely he would extend his stay in New Zealand and work as a doctor, to pay off the costs.