A Fredericton psychiatrist has been suspended by New Brunswick’s College of Physicians and Surgeons pending an investigation into alleged sexual assaults.
Dr. Manoj Bhargava is listed as an employee at the Student Health Centre at the University of New Brunswick’s Fredericton campus.
Allegations that Bhargava mistreated patients at the Student Health Centre have been shared on social media throughout the past week.
On Tuesday, the college’s registrar, Dr. Ed Schollenber, confirmed that Dr. Manoj Bhargava had been suspended by the college.
He did not provide any more information beyond confirming that it was in regards to allegations of sexual assault.
The Unversity of New Brunswick did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
When asked for comment the University of New Brunswick pointed Global News to an email that was distributed to students on Tuesday.
The email does not mention Bhargava by name but does confirm that a doctor who practiced at the UNB Fredericton Student Health Centre has been suspended by the college of physicians.
“While we may not be able to provide details at this time, please know that our silence does not mean inaction, nor does it mean that we haven’t been listening. We are actively working to address your concerns” the email reads.
The university has faced growing criticism from the student body over a perceived lack of response to sexual violence on campus.
Protests were held at the university’s campuses in Saint John and Fredericton last week amid stories of sexual violence being circulated on social media.
The email issued on Monday says that the university has more to do in response to sexual violence.
“We must be prepared to raise greater awareness across our university community of the nature of sexual assault and sexual victimization,” the email reads.
Counselling services are available for students, the email confirmed, asking anyone on the Fredericton campus looking to book an appointment to do so through the counselling services website, by emailing counsel@unb.ca or calling 506-453-4820.
Students in Saint John are directed to email sjcounsellor@unb.ca or call 506-506-648-5501 if they are looking to receive counselling.