Skepticism over no action against Amritsar Medical College, Principal

Chandigarh: Oppositions has been piling over since no stringent action has been taken against the Government Medical College, Amritsar’s Principal Dr. BS Bal who was allegedly caught red handed doing private practice at home. Despite the state government’s directive, though transferred from the position of Principal, there has been skepticism shown, who wonder why the Education Department hasn’t moved against Bal for this malpractice.

Its been two weeks since the Vigilance Bureau submitted its report against Dr.Bal, however, no departmental action seems to be forthcoming.

It is believed that the allegedly corrupt Principal has used his influence to dissuade officials from taking departmental action against him. An officer on special duty (OSD),in the Health Ministry, who is said to be of questionable record is accused for “setting things” for Bal.

“The relationship between the OSD and Bal is already in public domain and both have successfully exerted pressure on the medical education high-ups by taking help of senior political leaders of Amritsar,” said a senior officer of the Medical Education Department. This OSD seems to have an enjoyed an influential position with the earlier, government as well.

The Vigilance Department after having gathered evidence against Dr.Bal’s uncalled for activities in the form of private practice from home, had in its investigation report on the basis of violation of rules, recommended serious action against him.

“Bal was doing this practice in routine and has been found to be recommending patients to visit private labs for tests and private pharmacies to buy medicines,” said the report, accessed by HT.

The Punjab government had banned private practice by government doctors in the state in 2013 it report further stated..

“Bal was transferred two days after he was caught by VB, but the department has not initiated any action against him. The probe report has been withheld in the ministry of medical education,” said an officer.

Dr Sujata Sharma, Director, Medical Education and Research, clarified that any action against the Principal has to be taken by the state government. “In such cases only government recommends action. As far as the directorate is concerned, we have transferred him as principal after he was caught by the vigilance,” said Dr. Sharma .

The eight member Vigilance team had cracked down on the Principal, Government College, Amritsar after they received a tip off .

A trap was laid on the former principal, by DSP (vigilance), Amritsar, Navjot Singh (leading the VB team) who sent a decoy as a patient to the principal’s residence at Medical Enclave on May 7 and followed it by carrying out a raid at 8am. The team found eight patients at the clinic queued up for treatment. The raid was conducted on the basis of information, that the former principal was doing private practice, despite being a government employee.

The former principal, however, has repeatedly denied all allegations saying that the raid was a “trap” against him and he was being framed,reports HT.