LUCKNOW, March 20 -- The health department has launched a probe into doctors appointed under the National Health Mission (NHM) over allegations of misuse of the economically weaker sections (EWS) quota. The CMO office has sent letters to tehsil authorities to verify the EWS certificates submitted by the selected candidates. Chief medical officer Dr NB Singh said if any certificate is found to be invalid, the contractual services of the doctors concerned will be terminated and legal action will follow. The issue surfaced after a walk-in interview held on January 7 for recruitment of MBBS doctors at health and wellness centres. Against 55 vacancies, around 400 candidates had appeared. Officials said some selected candidates had completed their MBBS from private or foreign institutions, reportedly spending Rs.1 crore to Rs.1.5 crore, but had claimed eligibility under the EWS quota. Following complaints, NHM's managing director ordered an inquiry, prompting certificate verification through tehsil offices. As per norms, EWS reservation is applicable to individuals with an annual family income of up to Rs.8 lakh and provides 10% quota in government jobs and education.. htc...