Disabled doctor claims breach of rights

A doctor who suffers from muscular dystrophy filed a judicial protest yesterday claiming his application to be included in the register of specialists was turned down by the Committee for the Approval of Specialists because of his disability.

Naged Megally filed the protest against the Prime Minister, the Health Minister, the Committee for the Approval of Specialists, the Registrar of the Committee and the Attorney General.

Dr Megally was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in 1986. His condition worsened by 1997 and he needs help to walk.

Despite his condition he continued his studies and became a specialist in ultrasound in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology.

Dr Megally said he holds a certificate of competence from the Foetal Medicine Foundation and is an active member of this world-renowned organisation.

In 1998, Dr Megally started to work in obstetrics and gynaecology and is the only doctor on the island employed at Mater Dei Hospital who is a specialist in Doppler and 4D ultrasound.

His application to be included in the register of specialists was turned down by the Committee for the Approval of Specialists. He was also denied entry in the register of Specialists in Family Medicine.

Dr Megally is claiming that his application was turned down because of his disability. He said the Committee had refused to take into account his circumstances. He argued that his basic rights are being breached because he is not allowed to practise as an ultrasound specialist.

He is asking the Committee to include him in the register immediately or else he will take further legal action.

Lawyer Owen Bonnici signed the protest.