State-run UP hospital ousts cardiologist after he ‘failed to show up’ following bail in corruption case
The Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences (UPUMS) in Saifai (Etawah) has terminated the services of 43-year-old cardiologist Dr Sameer Saraf who was previously suspended over allegations of financial irregularities and corruption. Dr Saraf, who was recently released from jail, previously served as the Head of the Department of Cardiology.
In 2023, the Etawah police arrested Saraf in the case. He got bail in January this year and had not joined office since then.
“The university’s Executive Council decided to terminate his services as Dr Sameer Saraf failed to join the Department of Pharmacy, where he was attached following his suspension, despite repeated reminders,” said registrar Dr. Chandraveer Singh.
Dr Sameer was put under suspension after he was arrested. As per Singh, in 2022, an FIR was registered against Saraf over allegations of financial irregularities and corruption, including unnecessary arbitrage, pacemaker fraud, and unauthorised foreign trips.
The case was filed by Dr Adesh Kumar — the then chief medical superintendent — based on a report by a five-member committee, which reportedly found that Dr. Saraf had approved unnecessary purchases worth nearly Rs 1 crore, despite “sufficient” stock for nearly a year being available at the university.
A detailed probe report submitted by the inquiry officer to the disciplinary authority reportedly found Dr Saraf “guilty” of these charges. The report also alleged that Dr Saraf defrauded numerous patients under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana by charging inflated prices for incorrectly placed pacemakers. Additionally, it accused him and his family of undertaking unauthorised foreign trips funded by private companies whose consumables and pacemakers he allegedly favoured.
