Odisha doc who used ‘salt’ for cancer treatment sent on leave

Sambalpur: Taking action against the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) Director Dr. Aswini Kumar Pujahari for his alleged unproven clinical practices, the State government sent him on leave till further order.

The move came after a probe committee rejected Dr. Pujahari’s alleged illegal experiment for treating cancer.

Based on probe report, the Health Department served him a show-cause notice asking him to reply on the allegations leveled against him within three days. If he fails to furnish reply within the stipulated time, it will be presumed that he has nothing to say. He was asked to remain on leave till further order by the authorities.

The investigation was initiated in the wake of cease-work by the Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA) of the VIMSAR and a police complaint lodged against Dr. Pujahari for his unethical practice to treat cancer patients.

Following the government action, the agitating doctors called off the stir.

Notably, the junior doctors were on cease-work since November 17 demanding removal of Dr. Pujahari for conducting the experiment on the poor cancer patients using common salt without the approval of the ethics committee.

Dr. Pujahari was found guilty for allegedly applying common salt on a cancer patient during surgery.

On Dec 6, the probe committee headed by Health Additional Secretary Sarat Mishra had submitted its report to the government.

Earlier, Dr. Pujahari had withdrawn himself from surgical practice at the medical college. In a letter to the Surgery HoD of VIMSAR, he expressed that he will not be able to carry out his responsibility.

Worth mentioning, Dr. Pujahari had upset many doctors at VIMSAR in the past for taking strict action against them for private practice.