A doctor who was jailed for indecently assaulting
A doctor who was jailed for indecently assaulting a young woman patient is today (TUES) appealing to return to work four years after being struck off.
Madula Nuka Raju, 54, groped the 26-year-old’s breasts and genitals during an examination while her three young daughters sat waiting in the next room.
She told Snaresbrook Crown Court in London that the GP had a ‘dirty grin on his face’ during the attack at his surgery in 1996.
Dr Raju now claims he has learnt from the incident and told the committee: ‘I believe I can help people again.
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The victim saw the GP on August 6, 1996, complaining of a vaginal infection and pain during sex.
Counsel for the General Medical Council, Tom Ryder, told the professional conduct committee: ‘She was called into an examination room and the children remained in Dr Raju’s room.
‘There was no chaperone but he proceeded with the vaginal examination.
‘He lifted her upper clothing, moved her bra up over her breasts and twisted and pulled the nipple of her left breast.
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He then touched her private parts at the same time as he fondled her breasts, the hearing was told.
The patient told him to stop but Dr Raju told her he needed to check her glands and put his hands under her armpits and on her breasts for a second time.
And when she tried to leave the room, the GP told her he needed to take her blood pressure and pressed his erection against her back.
Mr Ryder said: ‘She was extremely concerned with what happened and told her husband.
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The police arrested Dr Raju at the surgery on October 29, 1996, but he denied all the claims in interview.
A jury convicted him of indecent assault after a trial in November 1997 and he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Mrs A was later diagnosed as suffering from a variant of post traumatic stress disorder.
The conduct committee of the GMC will now have to decide whether to allow him back on the medical register.
Doctors normally have to wait five years before applying for restoration but the new rule only came into force after he was struck off in October 1998.
Dr Raju wants to return as a GP under supervision and research the National Health Service.
He said: ‘Since my release from prison in the summer of 1998 I have endeavoured to maintain my medical skills and knowledge by taking as many courses as possible.
‘I have certainly learnt the lessons and I will try to avoid any potential difficulties.
‘I am sorry for any effects I have caused to anybody.
I never intended to hurt anybody.
I have realised the importance of working along with the patients.
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Raju, of St Mary’s Way, Chigwell, has been training at the Newham Medical Centre and has been working with Dr Benjamin Lloyd and Dr Michael Carmi of the Royal Free Hospital in London.
The hearing continues.
ends
addjail.
