Jr radiologist dismissed from service for molesting patient

PANJIM: The State government has ordered dismissal of a junior radiologist from the service in connection with allegations of molesting a female patient at North Goa District Hospital. 

The incident that allegedly occurred in 2016 had led to his suspension twice from March 2017 to August 2018 and October 2018 until the revocation recently.

The Directorate of Vigilance has issued the order treating his suspension period as “spend off duty” while imposing penalty of dismissal from service in lieu of serious charge of molestation against him.

“The disciplinary authority hereby imposes the penalty of dismissal of service which shall ordinarily be a disqualification for future employment under the Government on Dr Mahendra Khanolkar, junior radiologist, North Goa District Hospital, Mapusa with immediate effect. Consequently, the period of suspension of the said charged officer from March 30, 2017 to August 21, 2018 and October 24, 2018 to till date of revocation, may be treated as period spent off duty,” the order signed by Vigilance Director Sanjeev Gauns Dessai reads as.

The inquiry report had stated that the radiologist was charged with performing ultrasound on the woman patient in absence of lady attendant in the clinic, which is against the rule and moreover, he allegedly exploited her for his sadistic pleasure in the name of sonography. The matter sexual harassment committee at workplace had also inquired into the complaint proving the allegations. Khanolkar had denied the allegations citing various loopholes in the complaint as well as pointing at veracity of the complaint as the woman did not appear for deposition before the inquiry committee.