Bagalkot Namma Clinic Doctor Faces Inquiry Over Salary While Studying
A Bagalkot Namma Clinic medical officer faces an inquiry for allegedly drawing over Rs 70,000 monthly while absent from duty and studying at a private college.
A medical officer attached to a Namma Clinic in Karnataka's Bagalkot district is under investigation for allegedly receiving a monthly salary of more than Rs 70,000 while remaining absent from her post and pursuing a postgraduate medical course at a private college.
Dr Ankita Yaragal, who is the niece of Bagalkot MLA Umesh Meti, is facing an inquiry into alleged dereliction of duty and unauthorised dual engagement.
According to the notice issued in the matter, Dr Yaragal was absent from the Namma Clinic at Wambay Colony from March 3 until September, leaving the facility without a medical officer and causing inconvenience to the public. She is also accused of simultaneously studying for a postgraduate medical degree at a private institution while drawing her salary as a Namma Clinic medical officer.
Dr Yaragal did not appear for an inquiry conducted by Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat CEO Gajanan Bale. The CEO subsequently issued a notice directing her to attend the next hearing on September 18 at 10 am in Room No. 11 of the Zilla Panchayat office.
The notice states that the matter is being viewed seriously as an alleged violation of the rules governing registered medical practitioners working in public health institutions in Karnataka, and also refers to an alleged breach of the National Medical Commission's professional ethical code.
The CEO has warned that disciplinary action could be initiated against Dr Yaragal on grounds of alleged professional misconduct, and that the matter could be referred to the Karnataka Medical Council and the National Medical Commission. Authorities have also cautioned that the entire salary or honorarium paid to her during the period of alleged unauthorised dual engagement could be recovered under the applicable rules.
The notice further notes that although the principal of SN Medical College had granted her permission, Dr Yaragal remained absent from her duties at the Namma Clinic. She has been warned that failure to appear for the next inquiry could result in an ex parte decision.
Separately, District Health Officer Rajkumar Yaragal has reportedly removed Dr Yaragal from duty.