Summons issued to over 500 doctors for taking bribe: Govt to LS

New Delhi: The Medical Council of India (MCI) has issued summons to more than 500 doctors upon complaints that they accepted inducements from Indian pharmaceutical firms, the government on Friday said.

In this regard, Health Minister JP Nadda said in a written reply to Lok Sabha that, "MCI has informed it is in receipt of an anonymous complaint which has been referred by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemical and Fertilisers."

The particular complaint, dated September, 2013, is against several doctors for allegedly receiving cash payments and accepting foreign trips, gifts and other inducements from ERIS Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, Ahmedabad, he said. The matter was placed before the ethics committee of MCI, the House was told.

"The ethics committee has heard the director of ERIS and many of the doctors named in the complaint," he said.

Based on the recommendations of the ethics committee, MCI has referred the matter for further investigation to the respective state medical councils where these doctors are registered, the health minister said.

Earlier this week, MCI suspended the registrations of 15 doctors in Madhya Pradesh after they were found to have gone for foreign jaunts allegedly sponsored by a private pharmaceutical company. MCI also asked the Drug Controller General of India to warn the erring companies and take proper steps against them.