Embattled surgeon Dr Dennis Pyne.

A CONSTITUTIONAL provision yesterday prevented the Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ) from voting on a resolution to have Dr Dennis Pyne resume his medical practice.

Pyne, a consultant general thoracic surgeon, has been on interdiction since July 14, 2008, pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings into his professional conduct at the National Chest Hospital.

"The resolution was not passed due to the rules governing the constitution of the MAJ. As a result, we will have to meet again to probe the matter further,'' Dr Winston Dawes told The Gleaner after an extraordinary meeting at the Bustamante Hospital for Children's conference room yesterday.

A little more than 100 of the more than 1,800 members of the MAJ were in attendance.

A number of disgruntled doctors left the meeting uttering dissatisfaction not just at the outcome of the meeting, but the direction of proceedings in the case so far.

Pyne is accused of charging patients for services at the public institution, even though the Government had abolished user fees since April 1 last year.

In addition, there was concern about the treatment meted out to some patients, who said they were forced to pay for surgeries.

Pressure has mounted on president of the MAJ, Dr Rosemarie Wright-Pascoe, over her handling of the Pyne affair. Members contend that matters involving disciplinary action against doctors be probed by the Medical Council of Jamaica, not the MAJ.

An expected bid to have Wright-Pascoe removed did not materialise.

The solicitor general has referred the report on the National Chest Hospital to the Medical Council.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com