The State Board of Medical Examiners has given a life ban from treating women to a Teaneck dermatologist accused of groping female patients.

Dr. Gangaram Ragi was handed down a three-year suspension in addition to the ban. His attorneys plan to appeal.

Ragi is accused of sexually groping nine female patients dating as far back as 1994. The official complaint alleges Ragi touched the breasts of the women during exams in his Teaneck office.

One patient alleges when she went to Ragi for her back acne, he insisted on checking her chest and proceeded to fondle her both above and below her bra. Another patient, undergoing an exam for a mole on her face, claims the doctor began massaging her chest and told her she ?had beautiful breasts.?

The suspension begins March 16. The state has allowed him to continue his practice long enough for patients to make alternate arrangements for treatment.

Ragi has also been ordered by the board to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.