The haunting memories of the kidney scandal that shook Gurugram and Faridabad 18 years ago have barely faded, but Haryana is now grappling with a chilling new medical fraud—this time involving heart surgery.

In a shocking revelation, a fake cardiologist operated inside a government hospital in Faridabad, performing 55 heart surgeries over just seven months. The impostor not only put hundreds of lives at risk but also caused the death of three patients. Many others were rushed to different hospitals after their conditions deteriorated post-surgery.

Revisiting the Kidney Scandal

The kidney scandal was orchestrated by Dr. Amit Kumar, a man with just a BMS degree and no surgical training. Exploiting poor and tribal people with promises of employment, he fraudulently removed kidneys and sold them abroad. Over four years, he performed more than 750 illegal kidney removals, earning crores.

The Heart Scandal Unfolds

Since 2018, Faridabad’s BK Civil Hospital operated a heart center under a public-private partnership with Meditrina Hospitals Pvt Ltd. Allegedly, the company hired doctors without proper verification. In July 2024, a man posing as Dr. Pankaj Mohan was appointed cardiologist.

This fake doctor regularly treated patients and performed heart surgeries, including 55 major operations within seven months. The deception came to light when a patient visited the hospital and later found the real Dr. Pankaj Mohan practicing elsewhere, shocked to see his name and seal misused.

Action Taken and Investigation

Complaints were filed with the Indian Medical Association, police, and health department, but initial inaction delayed justice. Following a lawyer’s complaint to the Home Ministry and Chief Minister’s office, authorities ordered a swift investigation. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is now probing the case.

Tragic Consequences

The fake cardiologist reportedly treated over a thousand patients during his tenure. Three patients died after surgeries, while over 30 were transferred to other hospitals due to complications. Medical experts say these tragedies are a direct result of unqualified personnel performing delicate heart operations.