Madhya Pradesh: Fake doctor performed heart surgeries at missionary hospital, 7 reportedly dead

New Delhi: Authorities in Damoh district have launched an investigation into allegations that a fake doctor performed heart surgeries at a private Christian missionary hospital, leading to at least seven deaths.

Officials said that the reported deaths, all within a month, have raised serious concerns in the area.

The accused, who introduced himself as Ann John Kem and claimed to be a renowned British cardiologist, allegedly carried out the surgeries.

However, investigators have identified him as Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav. According to officials, he failed to produce original documents, and a criminal case is already registered against him in Hyderabad.

Deepak Tiwari, a lawyer and district president of the Child Welfare Committee, said the actual death toll could be much higher than the reported seven.

“Some patients came to us and narrated the incident, then we came to know that a fake doctor was working in the hospital,” he said. Tiwari had earlier lodged a formal complaint with the district magistrate.

The National Human Rights Commission has also taken cognisance of the matter. Member Priyank Kanoongo confirmed that the commission received a complaint about fake surgeries at the hospital.

He added that the hospital is part of the Ayushman Bharat scheme and is receiving government funds, making the allegations even more serious.

Following the complaint, the district investigation team seized hospital documents and found that the accused had submitted forged credentials to secure his position.

Damoh district collector Sudhir Kochhar has said he will make a statement once the inquiry is complete.