In a bizarre twist that blends medicine and movies, a Delhi-based doctor finds herself in hot water after allegedly skipping work for three years to chase her dreams in Canadian cinema all while collecting her government paycheck. Authorities now demand answers from Dr. Manju Subberwal, sparking debates on accountability in public service.
Dr. Manju Subberwal, once the head of the biochemistry department at Delhi's GB Pant Hospital, received a stern notice from the Union Health Ministry on July 28. The ministry questions her unauthorized absence since 2022 and insists she explain why officials shouldn't treat this period as a break in service. They also seek to recover the salaries and allowances she earned during her time away.
Sources reveal that Subberwal only appeared at the hospital sporadically, sometimes for just a few days annually. In one instance, her husband reportedly submitted back-dated leave applications on her behalf. This lapse came to light in May during routine salary disbursements for department heads, exposing what officials describe as a major attendance violation spanning nearly three years.
While her colleagues handled lab duties in Delhi, Subberwal built a new identity in Canada as a filmmaker. Her Instagram bio proudly lists her as a Telly Awards winner, writer, editor, and director alongside her medical credentials. On LinkedIn, she details pursuing an animation certification from 2019 to 2020 and enrolling in a Bachelor of Creative Arts program at the Toronto Film School from April 2022 to April 2025, focusing on cinematography and film production.
Her IMDb profile credits her with three short films: Colors (2024), Totka (2021), and Yours Unfaithfully (2019). In each, she serves as writer, director, and producer, showcasing her passion for storytelling far from the hospital corridors.
A whistleblower from GIPMER, the medical college linked to GB Pant Hospital, filed a complaint in May accusing Subberwal of orchestrating a scheme to maintain her salary. The complaint alleges she conspired with a fellow department doctor who signed official documents in her absence without proper authorization. This alleged fraud reportedly cost the government around Rs 50 lakh in unwarranted payments.
Hospital leaders quickly notified the Health Ministry, leading to Subberwal's removal as department head about a month ago. Her salary now sits on hold, and officials have drafted a chargesheet for submission. The ministry also requests travel records from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office to track her visits to India during the scrutinized period.
As a Central Health Services doctor, Subberwal qualified for limited annual leave: 10 days earned, 10 casual, and 30 teaching days split biannually. For extended study leave, the maximum allows 36 months for postgraduate courses, but it requires a bond committing to five more years of government service post-return. Crucially, no employee can depart without official approval.
(Rh/Eth/VK/MSM)