A disturbing incident at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow has led to the removal of an AYUSH practitioner after an internal inquiry confirmed allegations of molestation made by a female patient during an ultrasound procedure in the urology department.
Incident Reported During Ultrasound Procedure
According to reports, the incident occurred on April 1 when a woman from Kakori visited KGMU for treatment and was advised to undergo an ultrasound scan. Following the procedure, she alleged inappropriate conduct by the practitioner, who had been deployed through a private agency under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The patient later submitted a formal written complaint, prompting immediate administrative action.
Inquiry Committee Confirms Allegations
A seven-member inquiry committee headed by Prof. Apul Goyal, Head of the Urology Department, was constituted to investigate the matter. The panel recorded the victim’s statement and reviewed all relevant circumstances.
Based on the findings, hospital spokesperson Dr. K K Singh confirmed that the agency-deployed practitioner has been removed from duty. Additionally, the ward aide present during the procedure was also terminated for failing to be present at the time of the scan.
PPP Model Under Fresh Scrutiny
The incident has reignited concerns about the PPP model operational within KGMU, especially in diagnostic services like ultrasound. Despite having a robust Radiology department with around 12 senior doctors and more than 40 resident doctors, certain services continue to be outsourced to private agencies.
Reports suggest that private companies operating under this model generate significant profits, while the institution receives only a minimal commission. Questions are also being raised about oversight, accountability, and the qualifications of personnel conducting such sensitive diagnostic procedures.
Long-Standing Concerns Over Outsourced Services
Ultrasound services in the Urology department have reportedly been run under the PPP model for nearly two decades. Critics argue that the hospital administration has not exercised adequate monitoring over who is conducting these procedures, raising serious concerns about patient safety and ethical standards.
Previous Controversies Add to Concerns
KGMU has previously come under scrutiny in another case involving a man accused of impersonating a resident doctor and allegedly targeting female medical students as part of a fraudulent religious conversion racket. The incident had already raised serious questions about institutional vigilance and security.
Growing Demand for Accountability
The latest case has intensified calls for stricter monitoring of outsourced medical services and greater accountability in healthcare institutions. Experts stress the need for transparent systems, proper staff verification, and the presence of authorized personnel during sensitive procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The case underscores the urgent need for reforms in hospital administration practices, particularly in PPP-operated healthcare services, to ensure patient safety and trust.
