A GP suspended after what leaders called an ‘incomprehensible’ ruling will appeal, Pulse reports.
Dr Manjula Arora was suspended for a month for ‘dishonesty’ after she told an IT department she had been ‘promised’ a laptop.
The BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul warned that the ruling was ‘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 have also written to the Professional Standards Authority in reference to the case. The British International Doctors Association (BIDA) has also offered to support Dr Arora’s appeal.
The MDU confirmed to Pulse that it would assist Dr Arora’s appeal following the outcome of the MPTS hearing.
Dr Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP chair, said: “I’m sure Dr Arora has not taken this decision lightly, having already been subjected to public scrutiny. Following this shocking decision by the GMC, it is the right decision for both patients and GPs to stand up to this travesty. I can’t begin to comprehend the stress that Dr Arora has already been through, and I’m sure there is still more to come.
“The underlying circumstances of the story could happen to any of us who simply request the basic tools we require to do our job, and this must not be allowed to happen again.
“The biggest cost to any of us in this situation is our wellbeing. When faced with such ridiculous accusations and penalties, we must all stick together.
“Isolated GP locums without a professional support network are particularly vulnerable. As always, we strongly urge all our colleagues to consider joining up with local locums in peer-support networks like NASGP Locum Chambers that offer them protection whilst helping them thrive.”