Doctor ousted for three months

KATHMANDU, August 12

Dr Nutan Sharma, a Gynaecologist working at Alka Hospital was suspended by Nepal Medical Council for three months for allegedly conducting sex determination test during pregnancy.

The Ethical Committee of the NMC took the decision on Sunday but made it public on Wednesday, said NMC Chair Dr Dharmakanta Baskota. “Our decisions take time to mature,” Baskota said in response to a question.

He said a complaint against Dr Sharma was lodged at the NMC for allegedly violating laws by determining the sex of a foetus. All the concerned agencies, from the Office of the Council of Ministers, National Human Rights Commission, National Vigilance Centre and Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority had sent letters to NMC seeking the updated status of the case.

“Nepali law bars a doctor from determining sex during pregnancy. On the basis of video clip,Dr Sharma was found determining sex during pregnancy. Our committee recommended action on the basis of evidences,” Baskota added.

Dr Sharma, however, denied any wrongdoing, saying thepatient that figured in the case had already delivered her child, who was now ready to join kindergarten. “So where is the case of sex selective abortion?” She wondered.

Dr Sharma said one Sanjay Jha was trying to blackmail her but she refused to pay the amount that he had asked for. “First he asked me to pay Rs 40 lakh then he asked for 25 lakh. I refused to pay him because I had not done anything wrong,” she said, and added that the man had framed her in the case.

She said it was an old case and she was targeted because she is an Indian citizen married to a Nepali. Dr Sharma said the NMC had asked for clarification from her twice two years ago and she had stated her side of the story and the case had already been closed.

“Now I have not received any notification from NMC. I am surprised how this case was revived,” she added. Dr Sharma said if the NMC had informed her of the suspension, she would have sought legal recourse.