State Medical Council flags TMC MP Santanu Sen for omitting ‘diploma’ tag in FRCP listing

Trinamool Congress MP and well-known physician Dr. Santanu Sen is under scrutiny from the State Medical Council for allegedly misrepresenting his medical qualifications. A show cause notice was issued to him late Friday for using the title ‘FRCP’ on his letterhead without clearly mentioning that it is a ‘Diploma of Fellowship’.

The Council's notice points out that while Dr. Sen submitted a certificate stating ‘Diploma of Fellowship FRCP’, his official documents omit the word “Diploma”, which may mislead patients. The use of unregistered degrees violates Section 26 of the Indian Medical Council Act, which mandates that all medical qualifications must be registered.

Considering the matter serious, the Council's Panel Ethics Committee has asked Dr. Sen to submit a written explanation within 21 days. He has also been offered the opportunity to appear in person to present his case. Failure to respond within the timeframe may lead to unilateral disciplinary action.

The Council has expressed concern that public figures, especially those in healthcare, must exercise utmost transparency to maintain public trust and professional ethics.