{UAH} ONLY SUCKING A WOMAN'S BREAST IS NOT A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN ONTARIO

Doctor who sexually abused female patients can now only treat men

"Dr. Maharajh may treat male patients only."

 

Sign

 

Dr. Sastri Maharajh, a family physician who practices in Erin Mills, was found to have sexually abused a female patient and engaged in similar inappropriate conduct with as many as 12 other women. The sign outside his office reads "Dr. Maharajh may treat male patients only."

Mississauga News

By Louie Rosella

MISSISSAUGA — The sign outside his office reads "Dr. Maharajh may treat male patients only."

That's because it was one of the conditions imposed on Dr. Sastri Maharajh, a 54-year-old Erin Mills family doctor, by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario last year after a College disciplinary committee found he sexually abused a female patient and engaged in similar inappropriate conduct with as many as 12 other women.

"For each of these ten to twelve patients, Dr. Maharajh acknowledges that he either placed his mouth on the patient’s breast, or he rested his cheek lightly on the patient’s breast," according to the ruling, issued Nov. 5, 2013.

The Committee found Maharajh "has engaged in an act or omission relevant to the practice of medicine that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional."

The disciplinary panel suspended Maharajh's medical licence for eight months and ruled that he can only treat male patients, for an indeterminate period of time. He was also ordered to pay the College more than $112,000 for funding for any

therapy and counselling provided to these female patients, many of whom were in their 40s and 50s, and must also continue getting therapy.

The panel heard that On July 5, 2011, a woman, whose identity is protected under a publication ban, attended for an appointment with Maharajh. Her complaints that day included wheezing and ongoing pain in the left breast. Dr. Maharajh examined her ears, nose and throat first and found that her throat was red. He told her she likely had a viral infection. Maharajh next began examining her chest with his stethoscope. She was not wearing a gown, the panel determined. While being examined, the patient "felt something odd on her right nipple," the ruling states. She noticed that Maharajh's head was close to her chest and realized he had his lips on her nipple. This occurred three times. she turned her head to look and saw Maharajh cupping her nipple with his mouth. She said, "What are you doing?"  He stood up and said "Nothing," according to the ruling.  

Maharajh has disclosed to the College that, between 2005 and 2011, he engaged in similar conduct with 10-12 patients.

The panel considered having Maharajh continue to see female patients while accompanied by a chaperone, but determined that wasn't in the public's interest.

"Maharajh’s inappropriate actions with the female patients happened quickly, spontaneously and impulsively in circumstances where he completely lost control," the ruling states. "Allowing him to continue to treat female patients while he is in the early stages of treatment for that would not adequately protect the public. If he were to repeat his actions with another female patient, a chaperone may not be able to move quickly enough to stop him."

Maharajh has yet to be reached for comment.

College spokesperson Kathryn Clarke said she couldn't speak to whether police were contacted in the Maharajh case specifically, but said in general, College investigators have a number of issues to consider.

"…we will share information with the police, in appropriate circumstances, in cases where there is an allegation of sexual abuse that would also be criminal conduct, if proven. The circumstances of each case are considered, including the wishes of the complainant," she said.

Peel Police Const. George Tudos said no one named Sastri Maharajh appears in the force's arrest records.

Maharajh continues to practice at the MD Walk-In at 2686 The Collegeway. He received his medical licence in Ontario back in 1985.

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