Eight-Month Suspension Ordered by UK Medical Tribunal, Says Erasure Would Be “Disproportionate” Despite Serious Professional Misconduct
An Indian-origin neurosurgeon working in the United Kingdom has been suspended for eight months after a medical tribunal found serious professional misconduct involving a patient under his care.
The doctor, who studied at the Government Medical College of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and worked at an NHS hospital in Cardiff, Wales, was investigated by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) over allegations of inappropriate conduct.
According to tribunal findings, he performed multiple surgeries on the patient between 2019 and 2021, including a discectomy and spinal cord stimulator implantation, and later engaged in a personal relationship with her while she was still under his care. It was also alleged that he prescribed controlled medication between May 2022 and January 2023 without properly documenting it.
The case came to light after the relationship reportedly deteriorated in early 2023, leading the patient to approach the police. Although no criminal charges were pursued, the matter was referred to the General Medical Council (GMC), prompting a formal disciplinary investigation.
In his submission to the tribunal, the doctor expressed deep remorse and stated that even under alleged blackmail pressure, his actions were not justified. He also admitted wrongdoing in prescribing medication during the personal relationship.
The tribunal ruled that while the misconduct was serious, an eight-month suspension was appropriate. It further stated that removing him from the medical register would be excessive given his remorse and efforts toward remediation, while emphasizing the need to maintain public trust in the medical profession.
