PANAJI
Goa Medical College (GMC) doctor Dr Prashant Natekar has been relieved of his duties at the State run hospital pending an inquiry into a case of sexual harassment. In a note issued to the GMC, Dr Natekar has been asked to report on a daily basis to the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) instead of the GMC.
Dr Natekar professor and head of the anatomy department has been asked to report to the public health department till an ongoing vigilance department inquiry is complete.
He is currently facing investigations on complaints of sexual harassment and harassment at the work place including professional irregularities. Taking cognizance of the issue, health minister Vishwajeet Rane said it was a serious charge and would require a thorough investigation.
Since 2008, complaints were registered against Dr Natekar on allegations of harassment and conducting of examinations, from fellow colleagues as well as parents of MBBS students.
Several inquires including from Goa University, Public Health Department and the GMC itself were conducted. In a last ditch effort a complaint was also made to the vigilance department which began its investigation late last year.
Rane now stated that till the vigilance department has completed its enquiry and submitted a report, Dr Natekar would not be allowed to report to Goa Medical College and hospital and in the meantime, a senior doctor would replace him at the GMC and carry out his duties.
