Ten lakh a month; surgeon booked, 200 more government doctors under vigilance watch

KALPETTA: A senior government medical college surgeon has been booked by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau for allegedly running a lucrative private practice while continuing to draw a full government salary.

The Kozhikode Vigilance Unit registered the case against Dr Sivaprasad, Associate Professor and Cardiovascular Surgeon at the Government Medical College, Mananthavady, following an investigation into alleged violations of service rules governing government doctors.

According to vigilance officials, Dr Sivaprasad receives a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh from the Government Medical College Hospital. Investigators allege that, at the same time, he was engaged in private practice at Aster MIMS Hospital, Kottakkal, where he reportedly earned an additional Rs 7 lakh a month.

The vigilance probe was launched after the arrangement triggered controversy, with investigators claiming to have uncovered serious irregularities in the doctor's conduct. Based on these findings, a vigilance case was registered against him.

Officials said the action forms part of a wider crackdown on unauthorised private practice by government doctors. Nearly 200 government doctors across Kerala who are suspected of engaging in similar practices have now been placed under vigilance surveillance.