A Queens politician is calling for the revocation of the medical license of New York City's former COVID-19 czar, Dr. Jay Varma, accusing him of betraying public trust.
Republican Councilwoman Vickie Paladino expressed her concerns in a letter to the state Department of Health on September 26.
"Dr. Varma's actions betrayed public trust...which is in direct violation of a medical professional's responsibility," Paladino wrote, according to The New York Post. She urged the Department of Health's Office of Professional Medical Conduct to "take immediate action to prevent further harm." Paladino further stressed the need for a thorough investigation into these concerns and the consideration of revoking Dr. Varma's license "in the interest of public safety."
Dr. Varma, who served as the senior health advisor to former Mayor Bill de Blasio during the peak of the pandemic, has recently been embroiled in controversy. Hidden-camera footage revealed him bragging about attending underground, drug-fueled sex parties during the pandemic. This revelation comes as a shock, especially considering his support for lockdowns that devastated businesses and vaccination mandates that led to job losses for many New Yorkers.
Councilwoman Joann Ariola, among other critics, has accused Dr. Varma of perjury. She alleges that he repeatedly testified under oath that vaccination was the only way to halt the spread of the coronavirus. However, in clips posted by podcaster Steven Crowders Mug Club, Varma admitted that natural immunity is as effective as vaccination.
Dr. Varma, who could not be reached for comment, previously stated that the released footage was "spliced, diced, and taken out of context." The allegations against him, if proven true, could have significant implications for his professional future and the public's trust in health officials.
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