Cong seeks enquiry into MD student's charge of bribery at GMCH

The Congress today demanded a Crime Branch enquiry into the allegation levelled by a woman doctor, pursuing the MD course in Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here, that her results were held back as one of her seniors had asked for a bribe of Rs one lakh for releasing it.
"The charge of bribery made by a girl MD student (skin department), which was reported by the media over a week ago, is a very serious matter. Though it is believed that an enquiry is going on, it is difficult to expect an impartial probe," Congress' state unit spokesman Trajano D'Mello told reporters here.

Earlier this month, the lady doctor had complained to the Dean, GMCH, and Health Department, alleging that her MD (Doctor of Medicine) results were withheld because a senior doctor in the skin department was demanding Rs 1 lakh to release it.
Subsequently, state Health Minister Francis D'Souza had asked the GMCH authorities to submit a report.
"Bribery is akin to extortion and harassment of the girl student. It is a serious criminal charge. For the first time, the results of a post-graduate student have been withheld for more than a-month-and-a-half without any valid reason.
"The affected student has been at the receiving end right from the time she joined the MD course till date," D'Mello said, adding that a lady doctor's complaint of bribe being sought in cash or kind, apparently by her seniors, was "unprecedented".

"However, it is reliably learnt that it (bribery) is nothing new in this department, though it has come to light only now. For the last few years, students have been repeatedly told to contribute 10-20 thousand rupees towards the hospitality of the examiner during the post-graduate examination in the skin faculty.

"The HoD has been demanding gifts such as camera and lenses for his personal use and no student until now had dared to open up because they had either passed the exam or had no proof," the Congress leader said.
"The lady student has proof of gifts demanded by the HoD which will be revealed," he added.

GMCH officials could not be contacted for a reaction.