The GMC has effectively overturned its controversial ruling by admitting its ‘dishonesty’ test was misapplied to Dr Manjul Arora’s case, Pulse reports.
Last month, Dr Manjula Arora was suspended for a month for ‘dishonesty’ after she told an IT department she had been ‘promised’ a laptop.
In a statement, Dr Arora said: “I would like to respectfully thank the MDU for their continued effort and support and for agreeing to appeal the MPTS determination.
“I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all associations, organisations and medical professionals who selflessly picked up their pen or voiced their support for me. I am eternally thankful and indebted to you all.”
Commenting on the result last week, Dr Nagpaul said: “The fact that the GMC has effectively overturned Dr Arora’s suspension shows that the current system is structurally disproportionate, with insufficient checks and balances, and is manifestly unjust.”
At the time, the BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul called the ruling ‘incomprehensible’. The Doctors’ Association (DAUK) and British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) set up a petition to protest Dr Arora’s treatment, and the British International Doctors Association (BIDA) has also offered to support Dr Arora’s appeal. The NASGP supported Dr Arora’s decision to appeal, and publicised the case to members last month.
Dr Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP chair, said: “I am sure that the collective sense of relief that common sense has prevailed will be nothing compared to Dr Arora’s own relief at this decision.
“I truly hope that we’ve learnt from this, and have learnt the lesson that we need to put systems and processes in place to make sure that nothing close to this appalling decision ever happens again.
“It is always good to see our profession standing completely united to support one of its own.
“This was obviously a big news story about a single GP, but we have so many colleagues doing similar types of work, often on their own with no support networks. And although they may not be subject to the same injustices as Dr Arora, many will nevertheless still have similar experiences with no one to turn to for support.
“For any GP locums out there who feel they may be vulnerable to this sort of behaviour then, as always, we recommend they team up with other local GP locums to form an NASGP Locum Chambers which can help protect against this sort of event.”
