Chandigarh: PGIMER MS issued a warning, fine of Rs 10 Lakh

Chandigarh: The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) has issued a “warning” to the institute’s Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Anil Kumar Gupta, on the directions of the Union Health Ministry. The warning has been issued in relation to a case where the MS was found to have allegedly “disobeyed the ministry orders, ” and proceeded on a WHO assignment. The Ministry has also decided that Dr. Gupta pay Rs. 10 lakh, to the government, which is one third of the fee charged by him. Sources say, Dr. Gupta has been “advised” not to repeat the same in future.

PGI’s Officiating Director, Subash Verma told Chandigarh Newsline that “whatever was directed by the ministry has been done”.

Dr. Gupta however is maintaining that he had taken approval from the competent authority before accepting the assignment and has taken the matter to the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).

In 2014 Dr. Gupta left for Nepal on a WHO assignment for three months. The then Health Minister Mr. Harsh Vardhan on getting to know of the trip expressed amazement on his leaving without informing the concerned authorities during the hospital’s governing body meet. He issued a directive to the PGI Director, Dr. Yogesh Chawla to begin departmental proceedings against his irresponsible act.

Having been issued a charge sheet by the PGIMER administration, instantly, Dr. Gupta was quick to reply. The PGI authorities pushed his file forward to the Union Health Ministry, to take a final decision. The Ministry on its end asked the apex institution to issue a warning to the MS. When contacted by Chandigarh Newsline, Dr. Gupta refused to comment, saying the ‘matter is sub judice’, reports Indian Express.

However, Dr. Gupta seems to have stirred the hornet’s nest by approaching CAT, which is hearing his case.