NEWARK – The State Board of Medical Examiners (BME) has suspended the license of a Teaneck dermatologist for three years after finding that he sexually groped nine female patients and also lied when renewing his operating privileges at two area hospitals.

The BME also permanently barred Dr. Gangaram Ragi from ever treating female patients again and ordered him to undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation. Ragi has been barred from treating any female patients since 2004.

“As disciplinary bodies, our licensing boards act to ensure the safety of the public,” Attorney General Anne Milgram said. “The BME has taken action in this matter to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.”

The license suspension is active for one year, with the remaining two years stayed. The BME can change the stayed suspension to an active suspension if Ragi violates terms of the BME’s order.

The BME found that Ragi groped the breasts of nine female patients, one on two separate occasions. He testified before the BME that all of the women were mistaken. Ragi previously had been indicted for criminal sexual contact. He resolved that matter by entering a Pretrial Intervention Program without any plea of guilt.

The BME found that Ragi acted dishonestly when he lied on privilege renewal forms submitted to Hackensack University Medical Center and Jacobi Medical Center in New York City. Ragi had falsely entered ‘no’ when asked on the renewal forms if restrictions had been placed on his license.

Ragi’s suspension will begin on March 16 in order to provide his patients with time to make alternate arrangements. In addition to the suspension and evaluation, Ragi also is required to reimburse the BME for its investigative and legal costs.

Deputy Attorney General Kim D. Ringler prosecuted the case.

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