SALEM — Area medical patients will have fewer options for physicians Friday morning, as Salem Township Hospital parted ways Thursday night with long-time internist Dr. Guatam Jha.

(Credit: Jevtic)
(Credit: Jevtic)

Jha informed friends and patients of the decision Thursday night through a Facebook post that he will not be in the office as of Friday and that for two years he cannot practice medicine within 35 miles of Salem per a non-compete clause in his contract.

He says he has been practicing medicine for 17 years, and in March the Salem Township Hospital Governing Board named Jha Interim Chief Executive Officer for the hospital when Stephanie Hilton-Siebert left that position.

At that time Hospital Board President Richard Haney called Jha a tremendous, positive asset to the hospital.

It is unclear at this time the reasoning behind the hospital’s actions against Jha, and for the immediacy behind those actions.

A large number of Jha’s patients have expressed dismay over the move, and have indicated they will petition the hospital in protest over the decision.

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