Commissioner sacks doctor from honorary post,draws flak

The decision of PCMC standing committee to dismiss a top neurosurgeon from the honorary post he held at Yeshwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital has stoked a controversy.

The decision of PCMC standing committee to dismiss a top neurosurgeon from the honorary post he held at Yeshwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital has stoked a controversy. Municipal Commissioner,Asheesh Sharmas decision has come under fire from civic activists and even Mayor Yogesh Behl.

Demanding a review of the decision,civic activists said the principles of natural justice that is of giving a hearing to the accused was not followed neither a proper investigation was carried out before deciding to sack a top surgeon like Dr Phalke. The decision was taken in a hurry before conducting any investigation, said Sachin Godambe,an activist.

Dr Umesh Phalke,who received a honorarium of just Rs 1000 every month,was removed following a complaint made by an NCP corporator Jeetandra Nanaware at Tuesdays standing committee meeting. However,Nanaware did a somersault on Wednesday,expressing regret for making a complaint against the doctor.

Nanaware had complained that Dr Phalke had asked a patient to buy medicines and other items worth Rs 25,000 when there was no need for the poverty-ridden woman to pay anything at the civic-run hospital. The incident apparently happened in January. This was the second complaint against Dr Phalke, said PCMC medical chief,Dr Nagkumar Kunachgi.

But Dr Phalke said he had not recommended surgery to the patient who had levelled charges against him. She had TB and medication was required for her surgery. I had written it in her prescription. So where was the question of surgery and demanding money for it ?, he asked.

PCMC medical director,Rajshekhar Iyer,who was present at the committee meeting,refused to comment. Ask Dr Kunachgi, he said. On the other hand,Dr Kunachgi said he has no knowledge what transpired at the meeting. YCMH medical superintendent,Dr Anand Jagdale,too,refused to say anything about Dr Phalkes removal. Mayor Yogesh Behl said proper investigation should have been conducted. I oppose the decision taken by the commissioner. The doctor has not got a fair deal, he said.

When contacted,Sharma said the decision was prompted by numerous complaints against Dr Phalke. Even otherwise he was not in our services. His honarary service has been discontinued, he said. Sharma said he has asked Dr Phalke to explain the charges levelled against him.

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Meanwhile,Dr Phalke said he was shocked by the decision and was finding it difficult to face his family and the world. I have been practising for eight years. I have performed nearly 2000 brain surgeries and my success rate has been cent per cent, he said. I should have been given a hearing. I am looking forward to one, he said.

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