Day after MiD DAY reported paediatrician's unusually high charges for administering H1N1 vaccine, medical bodies take serious note of 'unprofessional conduct', plan action
Day after MiD DAY reported paediatrician's unusually high charges for administering H1N1 vaccine, medical bodies take serious note of 'unprofessional conduct', plan actionu00a0
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Au00a0day after MiD DAY reported on its front page how a paediatrician from Sinhagad Road was administering the intra-nasal swine flu vaccine for nearly 10 times the price of a dose, professional doctors' organisations like the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) and Indian Medical Association (IMA) have called her conduct "unprofessional" and promised disciplinary action.
MiD DAY reported yesterday that Dr Preeti Kulkarni of Children's Hospital had been charging people Rs 1,400 per dose of the intra-nasal H1N1 vaccine, which is priced at Rs 158 per dose.
The doctor had given vaccination to six people out of a single vial even though the pack mentions only five people should be vaccinated from a vial.
Dr Shishir Modak, president of the city unit of IAP, said he read the news report and had initiated an inquiry into the matter.
Inquiry initiated
"The doctor concerned is a member of the IAP since 2009. After reading the media reports, we got upset as such incidents can spoil the reputation of the medical community," said Modak.
"We have initiated an inquiry into the incident and have decided to send her a show-cause notice. The
matter will be taken up in the managing committee meeting as well."
He added that depending on the reply the doctor gives and the evidence against her, the body will decide on disciplinary action to be taken.
"We will take action according to the constitution of the IAP, such as fining or suspension of membership," he said.
IMA sends letters
Dr Sharad Agharkhedkar, president of IMA Pune chapter, said serious note had been taken of the incident in which the doctor charged three members of the Kokane family Rs 4,200 for vaccination and letters were being shot off to all members.
"Currently, the vaccine is in short supply and fear of swine flu is high owing to deaths occurring in the city, which may tempt some doctors to take advantage of the situation. However, after this incident we are appealing to all our members to remember their duties," said Agharkhedkar.
"If we get involved in profiteering, not many patients might get immunised even though it is the need of the hour."
Government silent
While Uddhav Gawande, who is handling the charge of district health officer, was unavailable for comment, another official from his department said action could be taken only if a patient lodged a formal complaint with the district collectorate.
S T Patil, joint commissioner of Food and Drugs Administration, said that his department had no powers to take action against doctors.
"Had a chemist's shop sold something for more than the MRP, we would have taken action. But in case of
doctors, only health authorities or the police can take action," he said.
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