2 JJ docs transferred for misbehaviour

Mumabi, June 17: Two doctors of the government-run JJ Hospital were transferred from the institution today after allegations of sexual ha...

Mumabi, June 17: Two doctors of the government-run JJ Hospital were transferred from the institution today after allegations of sexual harassment were levelled against them by four medical students of the affiliated Grant Medical College on June 10. Showcause notices have also been served asking why action should not be taken following a written complaint which was signed by 75 GMC students.

This follows the submission of the report by the inquiry committee set up by the hospital which has recommended the following action: Dr Ganesh Nandgiri be suspended, Dr Shalik Ade be fined Rs 250 both from JJ Hospital and that Dr Hemant Gupta, from Sion Hospital, be subjected to a police inquiry. Also, it says, the Sion Hospital authorities should be apprised of Dr Gupta8217;s misbehaviour and that he should be barred from his post-graduate examinations.

The two JJ doctors have been transferred to peripheral hospitals to pre-empt further trouble. Action will be taken later on the basis of the recommendations. Thecommittee has also recommended a police inquiry against Dr Gupta.

During its investigations, the committee found that several students had been threatened by the doctors and were told to spread rumours against the hospital authorities. Action has also been recommended against Preeti Aurora, an undergraduate student, for making a false complaint of ragging against her fellow students. Aurora had told the committee that the complaint she had earlier submitted was dictated by Dr Nandgiri. It has therefore recommended that she be expelled from the ladies8217; hostel and her parents apprised of her misconduct.

Hospital sources also said Dr Nandgiri had misbehaved with the committee during interrogation and almost came to blows with one of the members. He, along with one Dr Rathod, a resident doctor of paediatric medicine, had also barged into the room and was extremely arrogant. Before leaving, Dr Nandgiri threatened8217; the members, saying he would use his political connections as well. The committee has alsorecommended that Dr Rathod be terminated from his post for interrupting the inquiry and threatening the members. Finally, it adds, Dr Ade should be fined for accompanying the other two doctors when the incident where the trio had made lewd comments to four medical students in the hospital canteen.

GMC Dean Dr S M Sapatnekar confirmed that he had received the inquiry committee report, saying it would be forwarded to the state government8217;s Department of Medical Education. 8220;Action will be taken against the doctors in keeping with the principles of natural justice,8221; he said.