New Delhi: The Delhi Medical Council (DMC) has barred two doctors from Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, from identifying as neonatologists and super specialists, citing lack of requisite qualifications. The move has sparked a dispute, with the hospital accusing the Council of denying the doctors a fair opportunity to defend themselves.
The doctors in question—Dr. Akhilesh Singh and Dr. Vivek Jain—were previously accused of medical negligence in a case dating back to 2019. The allegations, made by a child’s mother, involved severe postnatal complications allegedly caused by unqualified treatment, leading to the child developing Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, and West Syndrome.
Hospital Alleges Procedural Lapse
Reacting to the DMC order, Fortis Hospital claimed that the decision was made without prior notice or a chance for the doctors to present their case. A hospital spokesperson, as quoted by the Times of India, said, “We are astonished by the recent order, which appears to have been passed without our knowledge… The absence of any prior notice for a hearing raises questions about the order’s procedural validity.” The hospital added that it is currently reviewing the matter and considering legal options.
DMC Rebuts, Cites Repeated Non-Compliance
The Delhi Medical Council refuted Fortis’ claims, asserting that notices were served to the doctors on April 4, followed by an extension granted on April 21. DMC stated it proceeded only after the doctors failed to respond. “The matter is about doctors claiming specialist titles without possessing the necessary qualifications recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC),” said DMC President Dr. Arun Gupta.
As per the Council, Dr. Akhilesh Singh is registered only with an MBBS qualification, while Dr. Vivek Jain holds MBBS and MRCP certifications, neither of which qualifies them as neonatologists or super specialists under Indian medical regulations.
High Court Involvement and Allegations of Medical Negligence
The controversy stems from a 2017 case, where a child born at Fortis Hospital reportedly suffered a brain injury. The parents claimed medical negligence and misrepresentation of credentials by the treating doctors. The issue was brought before the Delhi High Court in 2019, with the court directing NMC, DMC, and DGHS to scrutinize the doctors’ qualifications.
The National Medical Commission informed the court that neither doctor had recognized postgraduate qualifications to claim specialist status. It clarified that Dr. Singh’s qualifications beyond MBBS were unrecognized, and that Dr. Jain’s MRCP certification did not equate to a neonatology specialization under Indian norms.
Pending Inquiry and Legal Review
While the DMC has instructed both doctors to refrain from practicing as super specialists pending further inquiry, it has also noted that their qualifications as general paediatricians are under review. Meanwhile, Fortis has emphasized that the 2023 affidavit filed by DMC before the Delhi High Court did not challenge the doctors’ credentials, making the Council’s recent move “unexpected.”
The case highlights ongoing tensions in India’s healthcare system over professional qualifications and regulatory oversight, raising broader questions about the integrity of specialist titles and the safeguards in place for patients.
