A UK medical tribunal has struck off locum consultant cardiologist Dr. Velmurugan Kuppuswamy after concluding he sexually harassed two junior female colleagues at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. The panel ruled his behavior was sexually motivated, abusive of authority, and created a hostile working environment.
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service determined that between August and October 2021, the doctor repeatedly crossed professional boundaries through unwanted touching and inappropriate comments. He now faces removal from the medical register, though he may apply for restoration after five years.
According to the tribunal report, Dr. Kuppuswamy known as “Dr Vel” sent flirtatious and overfamiliar messages to one colleague, referred to as Dr. A. During a party at hospital staff accommodation in September 2021, he hugged her, touched her back, grabbed her wrist, pulled her toward him and squeezed her waist.
When she commented that smoking was unhealthy, he responded by calling her a “bad girl.” In her witness statement to the General Medical Council, she said she felt exposed and uncomfortable and attempted to pull away while telling him he was hurting her.
At the same event, he also targeted another junior doctor, Dr. B. The tribunal heard he placed his hand on her thigh near the groin area and asked her to “keep doing that sexy dancing.” He later told the two women they should use their chests as paddles during a game of ping pong and followed female colleagues around the party while staring at them as they danced.
The panel concluded these were multiple instances of unwanted physical contact and objectifying behavior.
The tribunal emphasized the significant hierarchy between a consultant and junior doctors. Dr. A stated she did not feel able to push him away because of his senior position. Evidence also showed he routinely hugged female staff around their waists while greeting them.
During proceedings, the doctor denied wrongdoing and claimed the allegations stemmed from whistleblowing disputes with another colleague. He argued the two doctors fabricated events. However, the panel rejected this explanation, finding the evidence consistent and credible.
The tribunal also noted he repeatedly referred to the women as “girls” and failed to acknowledge the power imbalance. It ruled his conduct created “an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.”
The General Medical Council representative told the hearing the doctor had previously been struck off in 2012 for dishonesty before being restored to the register in November 2020 less than a year before the incidents occurred.
Although testimonials described him as clinically competent and respected, the panel said they did not demonstrate insight or remediation. His apology letter was also criticized because he apologized only if his actions were “misinterpreted,” rather than accepting responsibility.
The tribunal concluded he failed to act with integrity and treated colleagues as sexual objects for personal gratification.
Dr. Kuppuswamy has been removed from the medical register and suspended for 28 days while he retains the right to appeal. He can apply for reinstatement after five years.
Hywel Dda University Health Board stated it is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for both staff and patients and follows strict policies to protect workplace wellbeing.
The ruling underscores regulators’ expectation that doctors uphold professional boundaries and maintain trust within healthcare teams.
(Rh/ARC)
