Karnataka Doctor Under Inquiry Over Alleged Absence From Namma Clinic While Pursuing PG Course
BAGALKOT, September 16, 2026: A medical officer posted at a Namma Clinic in Karnataka’s Bagalkot district has come under scrutiny after authorities alleged that she continued to receive a monthly salary of more than ₹70,000 despite being away from her assigned workplace while pursuing a postgraduate medical course at a private medical college.
The doctor, Dr Ankita Yaragal, who is the niece of Bagalkot MLA Umesh Meti, is facing an official inquiry over allegations of dereliction of duty and unauthorised dual engagement.
According to the notice issued by Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat CEO Gajanan Bale, Dr Yaragal was allegedly absent from the Namma Clinic located in Wambay Colony from March 3 until September. Authorities said her prolonged absence left the clinic without a medical officer and caused inconvenience to people who depended on the facility for medical services.
The issue came to the authorities’ attention as questions were raised over how the doctor could simultaneously remain associated with the Namma Clinic while pursuing postgraduate studies at a private medical college.
Doctor Asked to Appear Before Inquiry
The matter is now being examined by the district administration. Dr Yaragal had been asked to appear before an inquiry conducted by the Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat CEO but reportedly did not attend.
Following her absence, the CEO issued another notice directing her to appear for the next hearing scheduled for September 18 at 10 am at Room No. 11 of the Zilla Panchayat office.
The authorities have warned that failure to appear could lead to an ex parte decision, meaning the inquiry could proceed and a decision could be taken without her participation.
Questions Over Salary and Dual Engagement
According to the authorities, Dr Yaragal allegedly continued to draw her salary while pursuing her postgraduate medical studies. The notice treats the matter as a potential violation of rules governing registered medical practitioners working in public health institutions in Karnataka.
Officials have also referred to the possibility of professional misconduct under the ethical code applicable to medical practitioners.
If the allegations are established, authorities have indicated that disciplinary proceedings could follow. The matter may also be referred to the Karnataka Medical Council (KMC) and the National Medical Commission (NMC) for further consideration.
The notice further states that the salary or honorarium allegedly paid during the period of unauthorised dual engagement could potentially be recovered under the applicable rules.
Permission From Medical College Also Under Scrutiny
The case also involves questions surrounding permission granted by the private medical college where Dr Yaragal was pursuing her postgraduate course.
According to the notice, the principal of SN Medical College had granted her permission. However, authorities maintain that this did not resolve the issue of her alleged absence from the Namma Clinic, where she was expected to perform her duties as a medical officer.
The inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding her appointment, attendance, postgraduate studies, permission granted by the college and the salary received during the period in question.
Removed From Duty
Meanwhile, District Health Officer Rajkumar Yaragal has reportedly removed Dr Yaragal from her duties.
The ongoing inquiry will determine the circumstances of her absence and whether any service rules or professional regulations were violated.
At this stage, the allegations remain subject to the inquiry process. The authorities are expected to consider the relevant records and explanations before taking any final action.
The case has also drawn attention because Namma Clinics are intended to provide accessible healthcare services to people at the local level. Any prolonged absence of an appointed medical officer can affect the availability of basic healthcare services for residents relying on such facilities.
With the next inquiry scheduled for September 18, the proceedings are expected to shed more light on the allegations surrounding Dr Yaragal’s attendance, postgraduate studies and salary during the period under investigation.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
