Sunday, October 29, 2006

College grants doctor's return to practice

By roger knox Morning Star Staff Oct 29 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
A Vernon doctor has been given the go-ahead to resume practising medicine, but with conditions. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sharma is facing a charge of helping a person to attempt suicide. He was charged following a month-long investigation in July, and, after he was charged, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia suspended Sharma's right to practice. However, on Friday, the college's senior deputy registrar, Dr. Doug Blackman, released a one-page statement, saying the college has authorized Sharma to return to practice with terms and conditions that include: Seeing patients only at his office on 33rd Street in Vernon; No prescribing of narcotics; Having a chaperone present continuously throughout all patient attendances; Ongoing review of his practice by the college.Blackman could not be reached for further comment on the college's decision.Sharma, as well, could not be reached for comment. Since he was charged, support for the doctor has been steady. Members of the Indo-Canadian community, along with some of Sharma's staff and peers, have crammed the courtroom at the Vernon Courthouse during his scheduled appearances.At least 60 supporters showed up at the courthouse one morning with a petition, demanding Sharma's reinstatement. Charges on July 31 followed an investigation by Vernon RCMP that began earlier in July, after allegations came forward that a doctor had tried to help a woman end her life. Sharma appeared in court Aug. 1 and was released on a $50,000 recognizance and other conditions, which included not practicing medicine without the consent of the college.

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