Osakidetza removes doctor from leadership role following sexual harassment investigation

The Basque health service, Osakidetza, has removed a physician from a high-responsibility position following investigations into alleged sexual harassment of several nurses at OSI Bilbao-Basurto. The doctor, who was temporarily performing duties equivalent to a service head within the central services of the Basque Health Service, will be returned to his previous position within the organization.

The administrative measure follows revelations that the physician was promoted despite a confidential 2025 file involving allegations of assault in a work vehicle and additional testimonies regarding inappropriate touching and propositions to colleagues. That previous internal investigation was closed due to a lack of ratification by the primary victim and the statute of limitations on older incidents, resulting only in a mandatory sensitivity course for the doctor.

Osakidetza officials stated they were unaware of the confidential file during the promotion process and have announced an urgent review of their action protocols. Proposed changes to the Equality Commission include removing the requirement for victims to ratify complaints to prevent re-victimization. Nursing organizations and unions are calling for increased protections and greater scrutiny within the public health system.