Saskatoon doctor charged with trying to have sex with minor

A Saskatoon doctor has been suspended by both the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine after police announced he was facing criminal charges.

Dr. Ramkumar Natarajan, 49, was charged on March 21 with attempting to obtain sex from a minor and with using the Internet to try and facilitate that interaction.

In a media release, Saskatoon police said Natarajan’s arrest came after a lengthy investigation by the vice unit.

Natarajan holds a clinical faculty appointment as a pediatric respirologist at the College of Medicine. In a statement, U of S chief communications officer Gord Hunchak said Natarajan was suspended as soon as the school learned of the charges.

“While we are unable to comment on a case before the courts, the university will co-operate fully with the Saskatoon Police Service if requested,” Hunchak added.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has also barred Natarajan from clinical duties and suspended his privileges.

In an emailed statement, SHA spokeswoman Amanda Purcell told 650 CKOM that any patients with questions were encouraged to get in touch with a quality of care co-ordinator.

Purcell wrote that the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons, the professional standards body for the province’s doctors, had also been notified of the charges.

Natarajan made his first appearance Friday in Saskatoon Provincial Court and was granted bail. He’s due back in court April 9.