Patan Medical College Dean faces inquiry over alleged private practice

Gandhinagar: A senior government medical officer, currently serving as the in-charge dean of GMERS Medical College in Dharpur (Patan), is under investigation after allegations surfaced claiming he runs a private hospital and is involved in private practice, which is strictly prohibited while serving as a full-time government employee.

According to government norms, a government-employed doctor receives a non-practising allowance and is not permitted to work in or run private hospitals. If found doing so, the doctor is said to be violating the regulations.

In this regard, Dr Hardik Shah is reportedly associated with Rishabh Medisurge Hospital in Ahmedabad's Jodhpur area, which he is alleged to be operating. Similarly, another doctor who was earlier posted at Patan Medical College is also said to be associated with the same hospital. A video supporting these claims has gone viral on social media.

Also read- GMERS Medical College terminates 4 professors, faces backlash

Ahmedabad Mirror reported that the matter caught the attention of senior officials, following which the CEO of GMERS, Dr Manish Ramavat, ordered a high-level inquiry. A four-member committee has been set up to look into the matter. This team, which includes officials from GMERS Medical College, Gandhinagar, recently visited Patan Medical College and has started collecting statements from Dr Hardik and other concerned doctors.

Confirming the development, Dr Ramavat stated, “A committee has been appointed and an inquiry has begun.”

Meanwhile, Dr Hardik Shah has denied all allegations. “I am not involved in any private practice, and I do not own any hospital in Jodhpur. These claims are false,” he said.

The inquiry is ongoing, and further action will be taken based on the findings of the committee.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that King George’s Medical University (KGMU) terminated the services of the head of the pharmacology department, over allegations of engaging in private practice. The move comes just three days before his retirement. A disciplinary committee found him guilty, and the council was reportedly not satisfied with the explanation he gave. Therefore, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Soniya Nityanand, along with the university's executive council, decided to terminate his services.

Also read- KGMU professor sacked days before retirement over private practice allegations