A family doctor from the village of Tuitjenhorn in Noord-Holland province has been temporarily suspended pending an investigation into a euthanasia case in August, Nos television reports.

Health ministry inspectors say they ‘do not have confidence in responsible healthcare provision’ by the 58-year-old, the broadcaster said. The suspension relates to a case of euthanasia on a terminally ill patient in August.

Inspectors have their doubts about whether the letter of the law was followed. Euthanasia is legal in the Netherlands under strict conditions. For example, the patient must be suffering unbearable pain and the doctor must be convinced the patient is making an informed choice. The opinion of a second doctor is also required.

Last month the five regional committees charged with ensuring the legal conditions for assisted suicide are met said the number of people opting to die by euthanasia rose by 13% last year to 4,188.

In just 10 cases, the committees ruled doctors had not met all the conditions for assisted suicide and involved health ministry inspectors. Two of these related to dementia patients and the difficulty of ensuring they had given informed consent.

Some 80% of people who opt for mercy killing die at home.