Gynecologist accused of sexual harassment is removed by the courts after complaints from 16 patients in Bahia

Gynecologist Elziro Gonçalves de Oliveira, aged 71, was accused of sexual crimes involving 16 patients in Salvador. He must remain suspended until the conclusion of the judicial process.

The gynecologist accused of sexual harassment against 16 patients in Salvador was removed by the courts - Photo Reproduction/TV Bahia

A case of great repercussions has attracted attention in the health sector in Bahia. A gynecologist was removed by the courts after serious allegations of sexual harassment. Gynecologist Elziro Gonçalves de Oliveira, 71 years old, was removed from his activities by the courts after being accused of sexual crimes against 16 patients in Salvador. According to information released by the Public Ministry of Bahia (MP-BA) this Thursday (2), he will remain suspended until the judicial process is concluded.

The removal was requested by the MP-BA, which formalized a complaint against Elziro Gonçalves. However, no details were provided about the date on which the request was made or when it was granted by the Court.

The Case

In March 2024, Elziro Gonçalves was formally accused by the Public Ministry of Bahia for sexual harassment in six incidents, almost a year after the first allegations emerged. Additionally, he is facing four ethical procedures before the Regional Council of Medicine (Cremeb). Among the 16 investigations initiated by the Civil Police, 13 were forwarded to the MP-BA, however, unfortunately, seven of them were already subject to legal prescription. After nine months since the first accusations, the Regional Council of Medicine began a formal process of ethical and professional analysis against the suspect, aiming to thoroughly investigate his conduct.

A document, obtained exclusively by TV Bahia, reveals that Elziro Gonçalves de Oliveira has 30 days to present your defense. The gynecologist will be able to provide evidence, justifications and call witnesses to support his position. To date, Cremeb has received a total of seven complaints regarding this specific case. Three of them were archived due to a lack of substantial procedural elements, while the other four are in the investigation phase in the ethical-professional process.

What the defense says

In a statement, the legal representative of the gynecologist involved in the ethical-professional process with Cremeb stated that due to the confidential nature of the investigation, he was unable to comment. Likewise, the lawyers in charge of defending Elzrio Gonçalves in the MP-BA investigations rejected the allegations through an official statement, assuring that the accused is cooperating fully with the authorities and remains firmly determined to restore his reputation.

Accusations

On July 19, 2023, during Bahia Meio Dia, a program affiliated with TV Globo in Bahia, the first complaint appeared. The complainant, a 43-year-old administrator, reported being the victim of harassment by a gynecologist during a consultation at the Baneb Employee Assistance Fund (Casseb) medical center. The incident occurred about a month earlier, when the woman sought care due to pain resulting from a urinary infection.

Since then, other patients have gained the courage to speak out. They claim that the professional approached them inappropriately, performing procedures without gloves and asking invasive questions, such as "Would you like me to stimulate you?", "Are you familiar with the G spot?" and "Have you ever had anal sex?" Two women, who chose to keep their identities confidential, were moved to share their experiences.

The patient reported that upon arriving at the office, she went to the bathroom to change her clothes. The gynecologist reportedly commented: "Curious, don't you think? Some patients change their clothes in my presence. Did you prefer the bathroom, perhaps out of shyness?" After the procedure, the doctor would have asked about the patient's relationship status and whether the couple practiced masturbation. "How big is your partner's penis? Because not every man will be able to satisfy you", the professional reportedly observed the patient.

Another woman reported that during her consultation, Elziro Gonçalves de Oliveira had asked if she was in a relationship. After her denial, the gynecologist reportedly commented: "How come a beautiful and attractive woman like you still doesn't have a partner?" He also asked, "Have you ever tried anal sex?" Upon receiving another negative, the professional would have asked: "Are you familiar with the G-spot? Would you like me to manually stimulate you?" The patient stated that she was shocked by the situation, unable to respond.