A GWENT doctor has been removed from Aneurin Bevan Health Board's Medical Performers List, and also disqualified from being entered onto other such lists nationally.

Crumlin-based Dr Kamlesh Ohja's removal on the grounds of suitability and efficiency was ordered following his appeal against Aneurin Bevan Health Board's original decision to remove him from its list last November.

That decision was made against a background of issues dating back to 2003 and originally involving cardiovascular disease and diabetes treatment, communication skills, and complaints.

Dr Ojha had appealed the health board's decision, but it in turn asked a first-tier tribunal of the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber - which hears such appeals - to uphold its decision and to consider a national disqualification.

The appeal was heard last month at a four-day hearing in Cardiff, and after considering the evidence the tribunal has dismissed it, ruling in favour of the health board, and imposing a national disqualification.

It concluded that Dr Ohja was unsuitable to remain on local and national lists for a range of reasons, including "a general refusal to accept responsibility for problems or errors in his or his practice's performance; his unwillingness to accept as valid the opinions reached by others, with which he does not agree; and his willingness to accuse others of acting in bad faith when the evidence does not substantiate the accusations."

The tribunal's decision was also reached on the basis of efficiency, as Dr Ojha had received substantial retraining and supervision over several years with disappointing results, and would require more if retained on the list, with no guarantee that this would produce the required improvements.

A health board spokesman said: “We accept the decision made by the tribunal which has upheld the removal of Dr Ojha from the Medical Performers List and allowed national disqualification.

"We regret it was necessary to take action and will continue to ensure the provision of high quality medical services for our patients from the surgery in Crumlin.”