A neurosurgeon in western Jamaica has been interdicted from duty after he was arrested by police for reportedly assaulting a colleague doctor, who is now said to be nursing wounds to his mouth.

The alleged assault occurred on Sunday near midday at Falmouth General Public Hospital after the neurosurgeon was told by his colleague that he needed approval to perform a private operation in the hospital.

“There is an arrangement in some hospitals that under certain conditions doctors who have their practice within or near the hospital are allowed to conduct private surgeries, but at a ratio of not more than one in every three,” a source in the health sector told the Jamaica Observer on Monday, adding that the issue brings into focus the use of public health facilities for private purposes.

“The doctor, who is now on interdiction, was seen preparing a patient for a private surgery and was told by his colleague that he needed to get approval in writing to perform the surgery,” the source added.

The source said that, after upbraiding the neurosurgeon, the doctor walked out of the operating theatre but was approached by the neurosurgeon who then reportedly punched him in his mouth. The blow left the doctor with a cut on his upper lift which resulted in swelling.

The matter was reported at Falmouth Police Station and the neurosurgeon was subsequently arrested, the Observer was told.

The Western Regional Health Authority is said to be investigating the matter.

Regulation 32 of the Public Service Regulations states that where criminal proceedings have been or are about to be instituted against an officer, and where the Public Service Commission is of the opinion that the public interest requires that the officer should cease to perform the functions of his/her office, the commission may recommend his/her interdiction from the performance of these functions. Additionally, the officer is permitted to receive a proportion of the salary of his/her office as the commission shall recommend to the governor general.