Cash-for-baby scam at Srushti: AP govt suspends 3 docs from Vizag, Srikakulam medical colleges
The doctors had been absent from duty days before the scandal surfaced
By Newsmeter Network
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Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has suspended three doctors for their alleged involvement in irregularities linked to fertility services carried out under the banner of Universal Srushti Fertility Centre.
Action was taken against Dr Vasupalli Ravi, Head of the Department of Anaesthesia at Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam; Dr P Ushadevi, Associate Professor in the Department of Gynaecology; and Dr A Vidyullatha, Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at Government Medical College, Srikakulam.
Delay in departmental action
The irregularities were uncovered at Srishti, headquartered in Secunderabad, following which the three doctors were arrested by Telangana police on August 9.
Despite their arrests, the delay in initiating departmental action became a point of public discussion.
Medical and Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav reviewed the matter and ordered their suspension. Officials informed the minister that Telangana police had officially shared details of the arrests and subsequent judicial custody of the doctors on August 28.
They further clarified that the doctors had been absent from duty days before the scandal surfaced, and repeated attempts by the principals of their respective colleges to reach them failed, which contributed to the delay in disciplinary action.
What is the illegal surrogacy case about?
The Universal Srushti Fertility Centre, based in Hyderabad, came under the scanner earlier this year after police unearthed a suspected racket involving illegal surrogacy practices and child trafficking across multiple States.
Investigators alleged that newborns were being trafficked under the guise of fertility treatments, with fabricated documents used to hand over babies to unsuspecting clients.
The case also triggered shockwaves across Telangana and neighbouring States, leading to multiple arrests, including that of Namratha, believed to be the key operator, and her son.
The case has since exposed disturbing loopholes in fertility regulation and child protection mechanisms in the country, making it one of the most closely watched investigations in recent times.
