SURAJ NANDREKAR
PANJIM: The government on Tuesday initiated an inquiry into the alleged demand for a bribe by “seniors” in the department, to declare the results of an MD student at Goa Medical College that was reported by Herald in its Edition of November 1. A GMC MD student, seven months pregnant, was denied her results allegedly because she hadn’t paid a bribe.
The inquiry order stated, “A news item titled “Pregnant GMC medical student denied results, allegedly because bribe wasn’t paid” has appeared on the local English daily newspaper “oHeraldo” today i.e 10/11/2016.” The note has been issued by Joint Secretary Health Anthony D’Souza.
“The Deputy Chief Minister/Minister for Health has expressed his serious concern in respect of the said matter as reported in the press and desires a detailed report on top priority basis
from the Goa Medical College,” it adds.
Further, the note says, “The Director (Adm), Goa Medical College is therefore requested to conduct an enquiry and submit his report in that matter to the government within a week.”
Meanwhile, sources in the GMC reveal that the result was declared a day prior to Diwali but the student wasn’t informed. Director Administration Sanjeev Gadkar confirmed that the results were declared on October 27.
He, however, said that the inquiry will be conducted to see why the results were delayed. “The order of inquiry has not yet come to me but I am told that the inquiry is initiated,” Gadkar said, adding that he cannot comment further on the matter as he is yet to see the terms of reference of inquiry.
Dy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza, who also holds the Health portfolio, said that such things are not acceptable in academics. “The inquiry is based on the report in Herald and if what is written is true it is a matter of serious nature,” he stated. He said this should not happen in academics. “It is not acceptable in any circumstances,” he said.
“First of all the harassment of girl students as mentioned is not acceptable besides the delay of results and third the bribery charge are very serious,” D’Souza said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the focus of corruption is always on politicians. “There are several such things happening in administration and if any of the officials are found guilty in the report, we will immediately act,” he said.
Herald had reported that the results of one MD student in the Skin Department were kept on hold for a month and half while all results of the department were declared. According to students, a senior doctor in the Skin Department was demanding a bribe of Rs one lakh to declare the result.
The student is seven months pregnant and is allegedly being harassed by this senior doctor, sources alleged.
