Retired Doctor Convicted for Bribery in Sambalpur

Conviction Details

A retired doctor, who previously served as a senior surgeon at a prestigious government medical facility, has been convicted by a Vigilance Court in Sambalpur for soliciting and accepting a bribe related to a surgery. He received a sentence of 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) in conjunction with 13(1)(d) and 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Alongside the prison sentence, the court also imposed a financial penalty on the convicted individual.

Implications of the Conviction

The Odisha Vigilance has formally charged the doctor for demanding and accepting a bribe from a patient in exchange for surgical services. This conviction highlights the state’s commitment to combating corruption within public institutions, as reported by Pragativadi. Following the ruling, Odisha Vigilance plans to approach the relevant authority to halt the retired doctor’s pension in accordance with established regulations.

Significance in Healthcare Ethics

This case emphasizes the critical importance of ethical practices in healthcare and showcases the proactive measures taken by Odisha Vigilance to protect public interests.

Related Case: Jaipur Doctor Arrested for Bribery

Details of the Arrest

In a separate incident, a doctor from Jaipur, who worked as an investigator for the Ayushman Bharat scheme, was apprehended for allegedly demanding and receiving a bribe of Rs 11 lakh from Siddhivinayak Hospital in Bhilwara. This payment was sought for the clearance of the hospital’s Ayushman Arogya Yojana bills.

Extent of the Bribery Scheme

Reports indicate that the accused threatened hospital officials with de-empanelment from the scheme if they did not comply with the bribe request. Initially, he sought Rs 14 lakh, but after negotiations, the amount was settled at Rs 11 lakh. The Ajmer unit of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which conducted the arrest, noted that Siddhivinayak Hospital provides services under the Chief Minister Ayushman Arogya Yojana and submits its bills to the state’s authorized agency, the National Insurance Company, for payment.