PATIALA – Child specialist and a social worker, Dr Harshinder Kaur of Government Rajindra Hospital, has been suspended with immediate effect for her involvement in the unethical practice of referring patients to private labs.
Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Satish Chandra issued the order of her suspension on Tuesday.
It is pertinent to mention that Medical Superintendent (MS) Rajan Singla had caught Dr Harshinder red-handed for referring patients to a private lab on May 15 and reported the matter to the higher officials.
Following the incident, the MS had reported the matter to the Director Research Medical Education. She was suspended for entertaining the medical representative of private labs and compelling patients to conduct tests there.
Dr Harshinder Kaur, a two-time state award recipient, alleged that she was framed by Singla and the patient was planted by the later.
She said she was on a 30-day child care leave from April 29 to May 28, but was called to the hospital by Singla to complete pending work related to the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) scheme as she was a nodal officer.
“I was framed by the Medical Superintendent. The said patient was also planted by him. I will fight the battle for my reputation,” she said.
Singla said, “On the basis of the patient’s statement, I have already sent my report to the higher officials. Whatever I did was in the interest of patients and for better healthcare at the hospital. It is up to the higher officials to take action.”
Dr Harshinder had said to the media that unethical practice was rampant in the hospital and most of the doctors were involved in it and why was she alone framed by the MS.
Diwan Bhullar, general secretary, PSMDTA said, “We appreciate the Medical College and Hospital administration for the improvement in laboratory services. We condemn the statement given by the accused doctor. At the same time, we demand to ensure the prompt availability of reports in the emergency for which authority should depute more technical staff.”
Dr Harshinder has sought an unconditional apology and Rs 1 crore on account of damage and loss of her reputation within 15 days.