JJ Hospital’s Dr Lahane transferred to DMER

Maharashtra’s medical education department on Wednesday transferred Dr Tatyarao Lahane, dean, Grant Medical College and JJ Hospital, to Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER). The move came on the back of repeated demands for Dr Lahane’s transfer from political bodies and Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors. Meanwhile, Dr Lahane confirmed that he had decided not to accept the transfer order as it was a seasonal temporary offer.

Only three months ago, ophthalmology resident doctors of JJ Hospital had accused Dr Lahane and head of department, Dr Ragini Parekh, of inhuman treatment, discouraging behaviour and pressurising them for not following orders.

Sources said the government’s move had come on the back of prolonged demands for Dr Lahane’s transfer.As the decision to transfer Dr Lahane was taken only last week at Mantralaya, the final decision was taken on Wednesday. Officials said that Dr Lahane was due for a seasonal promotion on seniority basis. “The notification issued by the state education department has confirmed that the post will be filled only temporarily for 360 days,” said a senior official from the state medical education department.

Dr Lahane confirmed about the transfer order and said he had decided not to accept it as the decision lay with him. “I already have the additional charge for the post which is offered. If the post is offered on a permanent basis, I would accept the same,”he said.

Dr Lahane was booked for atrocities after allegedly making a casteist remark against Narayan Waghela, a sweeper, in February 2014. Doctors in the month of April went on an indefinite strike against Dr Lahane and Dr Parekh, HOD, Opthalmology. Dr Lahane came into the limelight during the Sheena Bora murder case for conducting multiple forensic tests of DNA samples and involving private hospitals for conducting the tests. J.J. Hospital has been at the centre of controversy after repeated medical stays of political criminals and Dr Lahane was recently accused of sheltering Chhagan Bhujbal at St. George Hospital. Dr Lahane was also blamed for sending government nurses to look after mother-in-law of ex-CM Prithviraj Chauhan.