On Wednesday, the Gujarat Medical Council (GMC) suspended the medical licenses of two doctors - one in Rajkot for one year and another in Ahmedabad for six months.
Allegations have surfaced against Dr. Hiren Natwarlal Masharu of Nihit Babycare Children Hospital and Physiotherapy Centre, Rajkot, pertaining to fraudulent claims under the Central Government's PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) scheme.
Pursuant to an inquiry conducted by the Executive Committee of the GMC, "it was unanimously resolved that the allegations levied against Dr. Masharu possess substantial merit."
The Council determined that Dr. Masharu engaged in serious misconduct by unnecessarily extending the hospital stay of newborn patients to exploit benefits from the PMJAY scheme. Furthermore, Dr. Masharu allegedly falsified pathological test reports and submitted these documents to the PMJAY portal for reimbursement, compounding the unethical behavior.
In accordance with the GMC's regulatory provisions, Dr. Masharu's name has been struck off the Register of Medical Practitioners for a period of twelve months, effective from December 21, 2024, to December 20, 2025, subsequent to a unanimous resolution passed by the GMC General Body on October 4, 2024.
In case 2, a surprise inspection by the Chief District Health Officer revealed serious misconduct by Dr. Vivek Yadav. During the visit, Dr. Yadav was absent from his clinic in Kuha village, Daskroi taluka, Ahmedabad, leaving patients in someone else's care. Upon seeing officials, the individual fled quickly through the back door. Further investigation confirmed Dr. Yadav hadn't treated patients, and a nearby pharmacist reported being unfamiliar with Dr. Yadav.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)