Bagalkot: It has come to light that Dr Ankita Yaragal, niece of Bagalkot MLA Umesh Meti and daughter of district health officer (DHO) Dr Rajkumar Yaragal, was serving as a govt medical officer while pursuing an MD course at a private medical college in the district.Sources in the health department said the matter came to light when taluk health officer (THO) Dr Saraswati Magi visited a Namma Clinic in Wambe Colony four to five days ago.According to sources, the THO contacted Dr Ankita on the phone in response to public complaints and was informed that she was out of station. It is learnt that she had earlier been instructed to visit the clinic regularly. Residents of Wambe Colony have alleged that doctors were not attending the clinic regularly and that nurses were managing patient care and dispensing medicines.Meanwhile, it is learnt that Dr Ankita joined the MD (pathology) programme at a private medical college in March. Reports suggest that she had been drawing a monthly salary of Rs 75,000 while serving as a medical officer.Speaking to reporters, DHO Dr Rajkumar Yaragal said he had not released his daughter’s salary after assuming charge as DHO. “She was appointed during the tenure of the previous DHO, Dr Manjunath Dodderi. We have instructed the THO to relieve Dr Ankita from her post,” he said.
