Bhagat is no cardiologist - BHPC

MARANYANE NGWANAAMOTHO
Staff Writer | Wednesday April 14, 2010 00:00

Joseph Makhema, chairman of the BHPC, says the professional body of medical practitioners took five years to make a public announcement about the credentials of Dr Kiran Bhagat because they had to complete their investigations.

'We have been involved in back-and-forth investigations that have unfortunately dragged for a long time. We had to consult even other countries where he practiced before and we have now made a decision after all that,' he said.

He says after thorough investigations, the council is not satisfied with Bhagat's training and it did not register him as a cardiologist.

'We are not happy with his training because he does not have full training or proper certification that allows us to consider him a cardiologist.  There are, however, some things that I cannot discuss with you,' says Makhema. 

Bhagat has been practicing as a cardiologist since 2003 and the government hospitals have been referring patients to his clinic. Why did the council allow patients to use the services of a man that they say is not qualified for that long?  

Mmegi is informed that Bhagat has been advised to stop practicing as a cardiologist or face legal action should he continue practicing.  He has, however,  threatened to take legal action against the council for disparaging him. 

He says that he is registered as a specialist physician and is therefore, going to continue practicing as a cardiologist.  However, the council says he is registered as a general physician and should therefore, cease his services as a cardiologist.