What can be clinching evidence in the case of a Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) doctor owning a pharmaceutical company against institute rules, the registrar of companies in Mumbai has confirmed that he was one of the partners in the firm.
HT had on November 7, 2014, highlighted how in sheer violation of professional ethics as well as service rules, PGIMER assistant professor Dr Vishal Kumar, along with six other partners, formed a company named ‘Xenophill Pharmaceutical Limited’. Taking cognisance of HT’s report on Dr Kumar, PGIMER director Dr YK Chawla had ordered an inquiry into the matter. Dr Kumar works in the department of orthopaedics.
The inquiry committee examined all available documents and called the accused doctor also. The committee also sought some clarification regarding Dr Kumar’s handwriting as well as his status in the company.
Following that the vigilance cell of the institute wrote to the registrar of companies enquiring Dr Kumar’s status in the firm. According to the documents available with the HT, the registrar of companies in a communication sent to the vigilance cell confirmed that “Dr Vishal Kumar was one of the seven shareholders in the company”.
The sources in PGIMER revealed that the communication sent by the registrar of companies is a crucial document as far as investigation is concerned. “Now the case has more or less been probed,” said a senior functionary of the PGIMER.
{{/usCountry}}The sources in PGIMER revealed that the communication sent by the registrar of companies is a crucial document as far as investigation is concerned. “Now the case has more or less been probed,” said a senior functionary of the PGIMER.
{{/usCountry}}However, PGIMER official spokesperson Manju Wadwalkar said the investigation was still underway and if the situation demanded, action would be taken as per institute rules.