Pune : A doctor from the Department of Surgery at Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre (SUHRC) in Lavale has been terminated and booked for allegedly extorting ₹20,000 from a patient’s relative before performing surgery.
The doctor, now facing charges under Sections 308(1) and 308(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, allegedly threatened that surgery would not proceed unless the money was paid upfront—violating the hospital’s charitable wing policy, which mandates free treatment for all patients.
“He said the patient was critical and surgery was urgent. We were scared and paid the amount,” the complainant told police.
The complaint, filed at Bavdhan Police Station, was made by a 38-year-old man who took his aunt to SUHRC on April 4 for gallbladder-related treatment. He alleged the doctor created panic over the patient’s condition to coerce the payment.
SUHRC provost Dr. Rajiv Yeravdekar confirmed the doctor’s dismissal for ethical misconduct. The incident has been reported to both the National Medical Commission and Maharashtra Medical Council.
“We have zero tolerance for such actions. The doctor violated institutional policies,” Yeravdekar told TOI.
Sub-inspector Devidas Phad added that no arrests have been made yet, and an investigation is ongoing.
This comes amid heightened scrutiny of private medical ethics in Pune. Just days ago, a seven-month pregnant woman carrying twins died after allegedly being denied admission at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital for failing to pay an advance of ₹10 lakh.
