Sting operation uncovers Kerala doctor accepting bribes for issuing health card

Thiruvananthapuram: After a TV channel's undercover investigation on Thursday revealed that a doctor working at the government-run General Hospital in this city had granted two health cards without even seeing the applicants, the doctor was suspended.

It is also stated that the doctor accepted Rs 300 in exchange for giving a health card.

The assistant surgeon, Amit Kumar, was seen on camera filling out the health card without even looking at the applicants and without performing a medical examination.

The scheme of health cards to all those who work in hotels and restaurants was recently introduced by state's Health Minister Veena George, a journalist-turned-politician.

And she had gone gaga over this new rule.

The introduction of health card was initiated because a few deaths were reported due to eating at some food outlets in the state in the past few months.

The sting operation showed two people approaching a Class IV employee at the hospital, seeking to get health cards.

Soon, the employee takes them to Amit Kumar who was about to drive away in his car.

The doctor then goes into a room and starts filling up the certificate of fitness without even following any normal health practices. He is also heard saying the rate for this certificate is Rs 300 per person.

In a flash, the doctor gives the certificate and collects the cash.

With the visuals becoming news and the state assembly in session, Leader of Opposition V.D.Satheesan also joined issue and slammed the way things are happening when an important certificate is being given like this.

According to the rules, the certifying medical doctor has to have a detailed check that the applicant has no communicable disease or any skin ailments.

George later said they are planning to issue a digital card for which the process has begun.

With PTI inputs