A CENTRAL Victorian woman has resigned from her position at a medical centre after being told not to question an Indian doctor because he was of high caste and beyond criticism.Alison Jeynes, who was promoted by Healthworks management for her outstanding work ethic, was given a formal warning on Friday after raising concerns about the doctor’s methods.Mrs Jeynes said she was told it was not her role to raise concerns about the practitioner because she was not his equal, or higher, according to the Indian caste system.The caste system still plays a role in modern India and is believed to keep society from descending into chaos.The system is based on the belief that ranks engender order and peace among the people.Mrs Jeynes believed the doctor, who recently arrived in Bendigo, acted inappropriately on several occasions and she raised the issue with practice management.The first incident involved the doctor allegedly offering to perform a procedure without following referral protocol.The second was when a diagnosis was allegedly made in front of her.Mrs Jeynes said she was asked to chaperone a woman while the doctor performed a procedure.But the patient was then told the “shocking, very, very personal diagnosis” while the acting practice manager was still in the room.Mrs Jeynes said that when she raised concerns with management, she was told the doctor could not be criticised.She was told it was a cultural issue, and as more doctors of different cultural backgrounds arrived, further allowances would have to be made.A letter of warning issued by management stated that Mrs Jeynes was not in a position to question the doctor’s practices.“It is inappropriate for anyone other than his colleagues to criticise his work,” the letter said.Mrs Jeynes said she had been commended and promoted for being observant and protecting the practice.However, after considering her options, she had resigned.Mrs Jeynes said she believed all cultures were equal and the Indian caste system should not apply in Australian workplaces.“I feel I would be acting outside the Australian law in showing any preferential treatment to any different cultures that I would have to encounter in my work,” she said.“I need the money. I’ve got a mortgage, and to have to resign in this economic climate is absolutely terrifying.”But I’m lucky I’ve got a husband who supports my beliefs on this.”Mrs Jeynes said she was seeking legal advice on the matter.Healthworks managing director Alan Hall said the practice strictly adhered to the guidelines of the Royal Australian College of General Practioners in the performance of medical professionals and their support staff. He said any claims of professional breaches by GPs or support staff were dealt with in accordance with those guidelines. “Professional conduct of our doctors and staff and their adherence to the requirements for ethical standards and confidentiality are highly valued by medical professionals and staff at Healthworks.”