Maharashtra govt suspends Nashik civil hospital gynaec for conducting MTP after 20-week limit

The state government has announced the suspension of Dr Varsha Lahade, a gynaecologist at the Nashik civil hospital for conducting medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) beyond the 20-week limit.

Speaking in the state legislative assembly on Friday, Maharashtra health minister Dr Deepak Sawant said a primary probe revealed that Lahade had instructed doctors over the phone to conduct abortions beyond the 20-week limit. He added that Lahade had flouted the PCPNDT and MTP Acts and also had her private practice.

Sawant announced Lahade's suspension and added they would send a recommendation (to the Maharashtra Medical Council) for her registration to be cancelled.

The state government will also set up a committee under a retired director general of police and retired director of health services to probe illegal abortions.