Allegations against JJ Hospital Dean to be probed: Maha Excise Minister

Mumbai: Serious allegations of financial irregularities have been levelled against the dean of JJ Hospital and Medical College, Dr Pallavi Saple, who has been accused of misusing finances when she was posted at Miraj Government Medical College.

The allegations were raised by Shiv Sena’s Yamini Jadhav in the state legislative assembly on Friday. Based on evidence from various sources, Yadav alleged that Dr Saple was involved in serious financial wrongdoings for her benefit. 

While raising the issue in front of the assembly, Yadav said that Dr Saple sold plasma obtained from blood donations during her tenure at Miraj Government Medical College. Moreover, it has emerged that she sold the plasma illegally after separating it from the blood that was donated by patients’ relatives. 

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The sale or purchase of human organs, including blood and components like plasma, is prohibited by law, and such trade can lead to imprisonment of two to seven years and a fine of Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.  

“Dr Saple used the money collected (through plasma sale) to buy an ambulance for Rs 13 lakh and later donated it to the hospital in her mother’s name. A function was also organised. The irregularity was committed in collaboration with Dr Milind Kesarkhane. An account was opened in HDFC Bank. I have proof,” she added, Mid-day reports.

Apart from this, Dr Saple has been also accused of irregularities during the Covid-19 pandemic. In a letter to the government, Vinita Singhal, a senior IAS officer and former principal secretary assigned to monitor the Covid-19 treatment earlier requested a suspension and open investigation of Dr Saple. However, the inquiry was pending.

Demanding a complete inquiry into the allegations, Yadav said, "Dr Saple has been using a rented car. Rs 1 lakh is spent every month on this car she has been using since she was in Miraj. The total expenditure has gone up to Rs 70-Rs 80 lakhs, for which at least 10 cars could have been bought,” 

Taking note of the serious accusations against Dr Saple, Excise Minister Shambhuraj Desai responded to Yadav, confirming that strict action will be taken against her if found that she had committed the alleged irregularities. He said a thorough investigation will be conducted into the claims against Dr Saple.

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