Care arranged for all patients of suspended respirologist

The Saskatchewan Health Authority says all of the patients under a pediatric respirologist’s care in Saskatoon have been transferred to other specialists, including one brought in from Calgary to help provide coverage.

Dr. Ramkumar Natarajan, 48, is charged with attempting to obtain sexual services from someone under the age of 18 and using a telecommunication device to facilitate that encounter.

He was removed from clinical duties and his health authority privileges were suspended.

Natarajan is also listed as a faculty member of the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine in pediatric respirology. The university suspended his appointment as a clinical faculty member.

The SHA said in the statement that patients are scheduled to see the first available respirologist for assessments and treatments.

“With the addition of a visiting respirologist, we hope to provide a smooth transition, but we know that it is possible that some patients may notice a slight delay in scheduling,” SHA spokeswoman Amanda Purcell wrote in an emailed statement.

She added the health authority will work to ensure the effect is as minimal as possible.

Natarajan was released on conditions after a court appearance March 21. The conditions include not using the internet or mobile phones except for work purposes, not having contact with anyone under the age of 18 except immediate family, and keeping the provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons up to date on his situation.

He is next expected to appear in court April 9.