GMC Suspends 3 Skin Doctors Including Dr.Jagdish Sakhiya Over Ethics Violation in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD : In a strong disciplinary move that has sent ripples through Gujarat’s medical community, the Gujarat Medical Council (GMC) has suspended three senior skin specialist doctors for 13 months over alleged violations of medical ethics rules linked to sponsored foreign travel.

The action impacts two dermatologists from Surat and one from Ahmedabad, effectively barring them from practicing medicine during the suspension period. The council stated that the decision was taken after a detailed review of ethical breaches involving financial benefits received from a private biotech company.

The suspended doctors have been identified as Dr. Jagdish Sakhiya from Surat, Dr. Ami Shah from Ahmedabad, and Dr. Geeta Patel from Ahmedabad.

According to GMC findings, the doctors attended international medical conferences in Paris between 2014 and 2024, during which their travel, accommodation and hospitality expenses were allegedly funded by Abby Healthcare India Private Limited, a biotech company.

A senior GMC official, while confirming the action, said, “The Medical Council maintains a strict code of ethics. Accepting financial benefits from pharmaceutical or biotech companies for foreign travel is a clear violation of professional conduct guidelines.”

The council observed that such sponsorships compromise the independence of medical professionals and fall under prohibited practices as per established medical ethics regulations.

Another official noted, “The objective of these rules is to ensure that medical decisions remain unbiased and are not influenced by corporate interests. Any breach is treated with utmost seriousness.”

During the suspension period, the doctors will not be permitted to practice medicine, issue prescriptions, or claim any professional privileges associated with their registration. However, they may apply for re-registration once the suspension term concludes, subject to compliance with GMC norms.

The action has sparked discussions within the medical fraternity about stricter enforcement of ethical standards and the growing scrutiny of industry-sponsored medical conferences.

Healthcare experts believe the case highlights the need for greater transparency in doctor-industry interactions. “Such actions reinforce the message that ethical boundaries in medicine cannot be compromised,” a senior healthcare observer said.