Authorities in Madhya Pradesh have launched a manhunt for Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav, who allegedly posed as a British cardiologist and performed 15 unauthorized heart surgeries at Mission Hospital in Damoh between January and February 2025. Tragically, at least seven of these patients died shortly after their procedures. Yadav, who bleached his hair to appear more convincing, used forged credentials claiming affiliation with London’s St George’s Hospital. His true identity was uncovered when suspicious family members of victims reported him to officials. He also faked images with politicians to bolster his credibility. Police have filed charges against him for fraud, forgery, misappropriation, and criminal conspiracy. The National Human Rights Commission is investigating, particularly since surgeries were performed under a government health scheme. The hospital involved received funds from a national public insurance program, raising concerns about oversight and potential misuse of public health resources. Investigators are examining hospital staff, administrators, and others connected to the case, urging additional witnesses to come forward.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the prevalence of unqualified medical practitioners in Madhya Pradesh. In Damoh district, numerous unauthorized clinics have been operating without valid licenses or qualified personnel. Recent raids in areas like Patharia uncovered several such establishments where serious patients were being treated by unlicensed individuals. In one instance, a clinic in Mahalwara village was found with approximately 50 admitted patients and a fully operational pathology lab, all managed by an unqualified practitioner. Authorities have since sealed these facilities and transferred patients to legitimate health centers.
This issue isn’t confined to Damoh. In Jabalpur, a man named Shubham Awasthi secured a position at the Government Victoria Hospital using a forged Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree. He treated patients for a year before being exposed, leading to legal actions against him for fraud and forgery.
The state has also witnessed other alarming incidents. In August 2022, a devastating fire at a hospital in Jabalpur resulted in eight deaths. Investigations revealed that the hospital’s fire No Objection Certificate had expired, leading to culpable homicide charges against four doctors. The Hindu
These events underscore systemic challenges in Madhya Pradesh’s healthcare sector. Damoh district, for instance, faces significant healthcare infrastructure deficiencies, including vacant medical positions and a lack of ambulances. The district hospital lacks an Intensive Care Unit, often necessitating patient referrals to distant facilities in Jabalpur or Sagar. Activists attribute these issues to inadequate government action despite available funds, while officials cite difficulties in attracting doctors to rural areas due to concerns over accommodation, safety, and lower pay. The Indian Express
In response to these challenges, the Madhya Pradesh health department has intensified efforts to identify and shut down unauthorized medical establishments. In Garoth, for example, an illegal private clinic operating without a valid license was recently sealed, and its owner faced legal action for treating patients without proper qualifications. Medical Dialogues
The state government acknowledges the gravity of the situation and has pledged to implement stricter regulations and oversight to prevent such incidents in the future. Public awareness campaigns are also being considered to educate citizens about the dangers of seeking treatment from unqualified practitioners.
These incidents highlight the critical need for robust regulatory mechanisms and vigilant enforcement to safeguard public health and restore trust in the healthcare system.
