Without permission, Dr Kafeel Khan can't go to Kerala to treat Nipah patients: Gorakhapur college

Yogi Adityanth-led BJP government is likely to deny permission to Dr Kafeel Ahmed Khan, the suspended pediatrician and Lecturer at the BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur, for going to Kerala and volunteer his services to the Nipah virus victims.

Dr Ganesh Kumar, the Acting Principal BRD Medical College, told DNA that Dr Khan will not be allowed to volunteer his medical services in Kerala without prior permission. “So far, he has not sought any permission from the College. We will not give any permission to offer his services in Kerala without approval from the Director general Medical Education (DGME),” said Dr Kumar.

“You see, he was attached to the DGME Office after his suspension. He will have to report each and every activity he carries to the DGME Office during the suspension period,” pointed Dr Kumar, calling his Kerala offer a publicity stunt to remain in news.

A senior official of the DGME office told that there was no question of state government giving him any permission to serve in any other hospital when he was very much an employee of the BRD Medical College and drawing half salary during the suspension period.

“He is facing serious charges and currently on bail. As per rules, he cannot offer his medical services to anyone or indulge in private practice during his suspension period without prior permission to the DGME,” said the senior officer.

The UP State Medical Health Services Association Secretary Dr Amit Kumar also pointed that he cannot offer his medical services to anyone without prior permission from the state government.

Two days ago, Dr Khan had offered his volunteer medical services to Nipah victims to the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on the social media. The Kerala CM had responded to his facebook post lauding his noble gesture and inviting him to the state to serve those suffering from Nipah virus.

But Dr Khan claimed those who were raising questions on his decision to serve Nipah victims in Kerala hospitals were twisting facts and have no knowledge of rules. “My bail order only says that I can’t leave the country without permission. But there is no mention that I can’t offer my medical services to any other hospital or patient. I am a doctor. Isn’t my duty to save patient’s life if someone is dying before me?’ quipped Dr Khan.

Dr Khan has also written a letter to the Principal of the BRD Medical College on May 19 requesting authorities to revoke his suspension and allow him to serve the college again. He had threatened to open a private hospital to serve children hit by JE /AES if his suspension was not revoked.

“I have many offers of investors from abroad who are ready to invest in Gorakhpur for opening a 500-bed hospital for the treatment of J / AES patients. But since it will take time, I will start visiting affected areas to hold medical camps to treat patients free,” said Dr Khan.

The state government is at loggerheads with Dr Khan for sharing dais with Gujarat dalit leader Jignesh Mevani in Kerala and playing into the hands of opposition parties ever since he was suspended on August 22 last year and subsequently arrested and charge-sheeted in connection with deaths of 33 children at the BRD Medical College in Gorakpur on August 10 and 11.