AHMEDABAD: There may be more trouble in store for Kesar Sal medical college. The Ethics Committee of the Medical Council of India (MCI) recently held a meeting to probe the allegations that some of the college faculty members are running private practices during college hours.

The complainant, a city-based doctor, has accused the teachers of showing more interest in their private practice than in conducting classes. As many as 22 teachers have been named in the complaint, some of whom are renowned medical practitioners of the city.

An MCI source said, "The committee met on May 10, and a decision to scrutinize declaration forms of the college teachers was taken. Action will be initiated against those found guilty of running private practices during college hours. At the time of employment, the teachers pledged to serve full time, which means that they cannot take up private practice during college hours, between 9 am to 5 pm."

The complainant has alleged that several of the college faculty members are pursuing private practice even during college hours.

The dean of the college could also face punitive action if anyone is found guilty since all the authorization for full-timers is done by him. For the faculty members, it will mean that the MCI can cancel their registration for two years. During this period, they shall be barred even from private practice. In the past, MCI penalized 280 college faculties and police complaints were also lodged against them by the council members.

A source in the state education department said, "This problem is not limited to Kesar Sal. Employing doctors who engage in private practice as members of the teaching faculty is a common practice."

Source : Times Of India