A doctor of Indian-origin is likely to be banned from practising in the UK following a series of diagnostic errors that resulted in the
death of a 26-year-old Briton.

The General Medical Council, the apex organisation that monitors and licences doctors to practice in the UK, has launched a 'fitness to practice' hearing against the doctor, Navin Shankar, who qualified from the Patna Medical College in 1971.

The most recent charge against Shankar, 59, is that he failed to spot symptoms of cervical cancer in Nikki Sams even after she visited him on eight occasions over four years. She repeatedly complained of stomach pains and bleeding but Shankar did not carry out an internal examination, and instead told her that it was 'nothing serious'.

It was only when she was referred to another doctor that she was immediately given a smear test. Shankar was earlier reportedly suspended for serious misconduct in a case involving a baby.

Sams had a hysterectomy after she was referred to another doctor and began radiotherapy and chemotherapy but died around a year later aged 26.

The General Medical Council last week upheld a number of complaints against Shankar following the start of a fitness to practise hearing. It has been adjourned while his performance is assessed.