Bribery case: Inquiry committee checks records of accused doctor

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, February 25

An inquiry committee constituted by the Health Department here today checked the records and other documents after opening the sealed room of the Gynaecologist Dr Poonam Bhargava, a gynaecologist at Civil Hospital, whose video had surfaced showing seeking Rs 20,000 for aborting a female foetus in violation of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. The seven-member committee today opened the seal of Dr Poonam Bhargava’s room in her presence. She appeared before the committee at 2 pm today.

The committee members demanded the keys of the lockers in her room. However she told that she did not have the keys with her after which the locks were broken with the help of a hammer. The committee seized the documents from the locker and question Dr Bhargave whether she had carried out abortions to which she replied in negative. The money demanded by her had been deposited on Monday.

Dr Bargava, who had been suspended by minister Vij, refused to answer to the queries of the media persons stating that let the committee file its report then only would she comment on the matter.

According to information the inquiry committee would submit its report after completing the inquiry to Health Minister Anil Vij. After this a case would be registered against Dr Bhargava in the local police station.

Advocate Udit Mahendiratta said that under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971, carrying out abortion and getting pregnancy aborted are offences under the law. This was allowed only under certain circumstances and could be carried out within 12 weeks of conception keeping in view the medical condition of the pregnant woman. If the pregnancy is more than 12 weeks, abortion can be done within 20 weeks with the permission of two specialist doctors for some specific reasons. Both the persons carrying out abortion and woman getting pregnancy aborted would have to undergo five years imprisonment and to pay a fine of Rs 50,000.

It is pertinent to mention here that appearing before the hospital’s internal committee, Bhargav has reportedly admitted her offence. The complainant has also submitted his statement before the committee.

Jasjeet Kaur, Chief Medical Officer, Panchkula, had received this video clip on her WhatsApp number on February 20.