Delhi Medical Council in Hot Seat! Govt Demands Clarifications on alleged Violations
Doctors
New Delhi: The Health Department of the Delhi Government has sought the details of several allegations raised against the Delhi Medical Council (DMC) president, Dr Arun Gupta, Vice-President Dr Naresh Chawla, and Registrar Dr Girish Tyagi.
Writing to the medical council, the Deputy Secretary (Council) of the Delhi Health Department asked to clarify the allegations including financial misconduct, the illegal extension of tenure, non-disclosure and impression of information, and recruitment violations.
The letter was issued after a complaint was filed in this regard by the North West Delhi MP Yogender Chandoliya.
Addressing the complaint against Dr. Tyagi including his alleged illegal continuation in the office, the letter by the Health Department sought details on the issue of illegal continuation in office, unlawful salary drawn and financial irregularities.
"Dr. Tyagi continued as Registrar beyond his legal term without proper authorization, violating government norms and DMC regulations," stated the letter.
Regarding the issue of alleged unlawful salary and financial irregularities, the letter further added, "Since December 2019, Dr. Tyagi has been receiving salary and benefits despite his term's expiry. Immediate steps must be taken to recover this financial loss to the exchequer...Despite his term having ended, he continued using his signature to approve funds and transactions, misusing DMC resources."
Further, the Health Department also addressed the allegations of non-disclosure and suppression of information and mentioned, "He deliberately withheld case-related documents and failed to inform Council members about critical legal proceedings, acting on the directions of Dr. Arun Gupta, Dr. Naresh Chawla, and Dr. Ashwani Dalmiya."
Concerning DMC President Dr. Arun Gupta and Vice President Dr. Naresh Chawla, the Government asked the council to furnish clarification on the allegations of illegal extension of tenure of Dr. Tyagi, financial misconduct, and recruitment violations.
"Illegal Extension of Tenure of Dr. Girish Tyagi, Registrar, DMC: Orchestrated unlawful extensions for Dr. Girish Tyagi by manipulating official records and defying Rule 36 of the DMC Act. In 2019, the President allowed extension to the registrar (60years to 65 years) without approval from the government despite knowing the fact that the Dr Girish Tyagi is holding is administrative Post only and as per Fundamental Rule 56 of DoPT, he had to retire at the age of 60 years. There are doubts regarding Genuity of letter dated 12.12.2019, Issued by Dr. Arun Gupta, President, DMC, extending the tenure of Registrar Dr. Girish Tyagi's age from 60yrs to 65yrs," it mentioned.
Regarding the issue of financial misconduct, the letter added, "Enabled Dr. Tyagi to unlawfully draw salary post-retirement, requiring urgent recovery of misappropriated funds. Vindictive Administration: Denied a senior cardiologist clearance for over three years despite exoneration, showcasing misuse of authority."
"Dr. Gupta. President. DMC and Dr. Chawla. Vice President. DMC initiated an unauthorized hiring process through advertisement and called for interview for the Post of Deputy Registrar, bypassing due procedure i.e. without prior approval of Council and Government. And the interviews for the Post of Deputy Registrar scheduled for 24-25 February 2025. This hiring process and interview must be cancelled," it further mentioned.
It was stated that the Government orders had been violated and a vigilance enquiry was pending against Dr. Gupta and Dr. Tyagi. "Ignored directives of the Special Secretary (H&FW) vide letter dated 27.11.2024 to relieve Dr. Tyagi and he had submitted misleading replies in legal proceedings without the consent of the council members, in fact the council members were totally unaware about these findings," stated the letter.
"A case (Complaint No. 46959/2024) is pending against Dr. Gupta and Dr. Tyagi for unauthorized use of signatures and funds after their tenure expired. Dr. Naresh Chawla has also been complicit in these actions, working closely with them in manipulating Council decisions," it added.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that last month, the Delhi Health and Family Welfare Department had issued a show-cause notice to the Delhi Medical Council, threatening disciplinary action under the Delhi Medical Council Act 1997. Further, the Government had also threatened dissolution of the Council under Section 29 of the Medical Council Act, 1997.
