The King George’s Medical University (KGMU) administration on Thursday initiated disciplinary action over alleged irregularities in its ophthalmology department, including the prescription of medicines and intra-ocular lenses through unauthorised channels.
Following an inquiry, an ophthalmologist was suspended, while a show-cause notice was issued to head of department and pro vice-chancellor Prof Apjit Kaur, seeking an explanation over alleged lapses in supervision and departmental management, officials said.
The action was taken on the recommendations of an inquiry committee constituted in March to investigate complaints that patients were being directed to purchase medicines, lenses and other medical devices from specific private vendors.
KGMU spokesperson Prof KK Singh said the inquiry was initiated following complaints from patients and that the allegations were supported by documentary evidence and witness statements.
“The inquiry established that the allegations made by patients were substantiated. Had the prescribed monitoring mechanisms been implemented effectively, such irregularities could have been prevented,” Prof Singh said.
According to him, the committee examined 30 patients, of whom 17 recorded their statements and submitted evidence indicating that they had been asked to procure medicines and lenses from outside sources. The inquiry found prima facie evidence suggesting that patients were being steered towards certain vendors as part of an alleged commission-based arrangement.
Based on the findings, Dr Sanjeev Gupta of the ophthalmology department has been suspended. The committee also found that an individual identified as Abbas had allegedly been operating within the department without authorisation. According to the report, Abbas distributed slips to patients in the OPD and directed them to particular private medical stores for medicines and lenses.
The committee has recommended filing a police complaint against Abbas. Once an FIR is registered, his role in the alleged racket will be investigated further by law enforcement agencies, officials said.
The inquiry also raised concerns regarding the functioning of the department’s operation theatre (OT). Departmental action has been recommended against OT sister-in-charge Chetna for allegedly failing to prevent the unauthorised entry and use of medicines and supplies from outside sources in the OT without approval from the designated nodal officer, officials added.
Prof Apjit Kaur has been asked to explain what measures were taken to ensure compliance with departmental rules and maintain administrative oversight. The administration has also sought an explanation regarding how Abbas allegedly gained access to the department and continued to operate there for several years without detection.
