Caught on camera: 2 Gynaecologists allegedly demand Rs 6000 bribe before discharging woman patient; suspended

Bengaluru: Following a video clip of two government gynaecologists at the Bidadi community health centre in Ramanagara district allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 6000 from the husband of a woman who had delivered a baby at the hospital went viral on social media, the Karnataka health department has suspended both doctors and an inquiry has been ordered in the matter.

The video showed two doctors demanding Rs 6,000 from the husband of the woman who recently gave birth to a newborn at the Bidadi community health centre in Ramanagara district.

After the video went viral, netizens criticised the doctors for the illegal practice of taking bribes from poor people and the government for overlooking the matter and taking no action against the issue.

Doctors taking bribes from patients is no longer a shocking revelation since the issue has been going on for many years now. Therefore, the netizens sought immediate action against the duo from the health minister.

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The two doctors have been identified as a gynaecologist and obstetrician at the PHC and a contractual employee gynaecologist and obstetrician at the centre. While the doctor has been placed on compulsory leave and is directed to serve at the Community Health Centre at Nagamangala in Mandya district, the other has been dismissed from the National Health Mission.

The incident took place a few days ago when Manjunath's wife Roopa developed labour and the doctors performed C section on her to deliver the baby. When Roopa's health condition improved after getting treatment at the centre, Manjunath sought the discharge of her wife and his baby.

Meanwhile, both doctors called Manjunath and demanded Rs 6000 to discharge his wife from the centre. Manjunath who is a garment factory worker was seen trying to settle the matter with Rs 2000. In the video, Manjunath was saying "I work in a garment factory and I'm yet to get my salary since it's the end of the month. This is all I have...please take it."

The money, however, was not accepted by the doctor, and despite his situation, she did not consider it and demanded more money. She said "This has to be given to sir. Please give it to him and leave. When will you give madam's and my "fees"?...What were you doing all this while? You were here for five days, right?... This is not just for me. I have to divide the money among everyone...You have to give ₹2,000 to me, ₹2,000 to her, and ₹2,000 to him,"

When Manjunath explains his plight and requests her to take the amount, another doctor intervenes and counters: "If we agree for you, everyone else in the ward will come with the same request. We cannot be partial."

Following the constant pressure from the netizens and to save their own reputation, the health department suspended both doctors and ordered an inquiry into the matter.

In response, Karnataka health minister Sudhakar told HT, "A departmental inquiry has been ordered against the accused doctor who demanded a bribe at the Bidadi Primary Health Center and the accused will be suspended until the report of the investigation is out. It is unfortunate that in our society, where doctors are seen as Gods...the behaviour of some doctors tarnished the image of the entire medical profession and government hospitals."

"Despite the shortcomings of government hospitals, they are still a lifeline for many poor, lower-middle-class people in our society. Doctors working in government hospitals should support the patients who come for treatment with a service attitude," he said.

"Such corruption, indiscipline, and dereliction of duty will not be tolerated in government hospitals and primary health centres. Doctors and staff who do not have the attitude to provide health services to the public will be dismissed from duty without hesitation," the health minister said.

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