Sambalpur: A retired doctor, formerly a senior surgeon at a premier government medical institution, was convicted by a Vigilance Court in Sambalpur for demanding and accepting a bribe in connection with performing a surgery, and was sentenced to one year of rigorous imprisonment. 

The former Head of the Department of Surgery at VSS Medical College and Hospital (VIMSAR), Burla, was found guilty under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) and 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. In addition to the jail term, the court also imposed a monetary fine on the convict.  

Also Read:Former Drug Inspector’s Office Clerk Jailed for Taking Rs 6k Bribe to Issue Drug Licence

Next, Odisha Vigilance charge-sheeted the doctor for demanding and accepting a bribe from a patient in exchange for performing the surgery. The conviction underscores the state’s determination to curb corruption in public institutions, reports the Pragativadi.

Speaking to Sambad English, official sources said following the conviction, the Odisha Vigilance will move the competent authority for the stoppage of the retired doctor’s pension, as per rules.

The case has drawn attention to the importance of ethical practices in healthcare and reflects Odisha Vigilance’s proactive approach in safeguarding public interest.

Also Read:Jaipur doctor arrested for taking Rs 11 Lakh bribe for clearing Ayushman bills

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that a Jaipur-based doctor, working as an Ayushman Bharat investigator, was arrested for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 11 lakh from Siddhivinayak Hospital in Bhilwara for clearing its Ayushman Arogya Yojana bills. According to recent media reports, the accused reportedly threatened the hospital authorities with de-empanelment from the scheme if they failed to pay the amount. Initially, he had demanded Rs 14 lakh from the hospital, but after negotiations, the deal was finalised at Rs 11 lakh.
The Ajmer unit of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which arrested the doctor, said Siddhivinayak Hospital provides treatment under the Chief Minister Ayushman Arogya Yojana and sends its bills to the state government’s authorised agency, the National Insurance Company, for payment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *