The Doctors Post

Category: Hospital & Diagnostics

  • Kolkata Trio Defrauds Hyderabad Woman of Rs 80 Lakh in Kidney Transplant Scam

    Kolkata Trio Defrauds Hyderabad Woman of Rs 80 Lakh in Kidney Transplant Scam

    Hyderabad: The Cyberabad Economic Offences Wing has filed a case against three individuals from Kolkata for allegedly cheating a Hyderabad woman of Rs 80 lakh under the pretense of arranging a kidney transplant for her husband, who is a kidney patient.

    The couple currently resides in the United States. The case, registered on December 9, follows a complaint filed by a software engineer. According to the complaint, her husband had been suffering from kidney issues since May of the previous year. In early 2024, they were introduced to Ajay Madhok, who initially provided them with a dialysis machine and later suggested they consider a kidney transplant in Kolkata.

    Madhok then connected the couple with Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, Ranjeeth Singh, and Ram Kishan Singh, who promised to arrange a kidney transplant for Rs 1 crore. After negotiations, the price was lowered to Rs 80 lakh.

    The woman made an initial payment of Rs 11 lakh on May 2 this year via RTGS to Sanjeev Kumar’s account at Bank of Baroda. Over the next few months, she made several additional payments, totaling Rs 80 lakh, via RTGS, cash, and even hawala channels to multiple bank accounts under different names, including Megha Sharma and Ranjeeth.

    Despite paying the full amount, the promised kidney transplant never occurred. The couple was repeatedly asked to travel to Kolkata for appointments and surgeries, with trips made on July 10, August 25, and September 24. However, each time, the accused postponed the procedure, offering vague excuses, leaving the couple to return to the US without resolution.

    After several failed attempts to secure the transplant and recover their money, the woman filed a complaint with US federal authorities, who advised her to report the matter in India.

    The complaint details nine transactions, including an Rs 11 lakh cash payment made outside a residential complex in Kolkata. Based on her complaint, the Cyberabad EOW has registered an FIR under sections related to conspiracy, breach of trust, and cheating, and is currently verifying the financial transactions.

  • PCMC Launches Inquiry into Financial Irregularities at Jijamata Hospital

    PCMC Launches Inquiry into Financial Irregularities at Jijamata Hospital

    Pune: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has initiated a departmental inquiry into alleged financial irregularities at Jijamata Hospital, following claims that a clerk delayed depositing Rs. 18.66 lakhs in treatment fees into the PCMC treasury. The delay in depositing the funds has raised concerns of potential financial mismanagement and embezzlement.

    The inquiry, which began on Monday, uncovered these irregularities and extended to bank officials, who were found to have stamped receipts for the delayed deposits. This development has sparked serious concerns regarding financial discipline at the hospital and the potential misuse of public funds.

    Deputy Commissioner of PCMC, Vitthal Joshi, confirmed the initiation of the preliminary inquiry, stating that the clerk, identified as Gosavi, appeared guilty of negligence. He added that the investigation would also look into whether other senior staff members were involved in the financial misconduct. A special committee has been formed to probe the issue and its findings.

    Joshi said, “Prima facie, the clerk Gosavi seems guilty of negligence. The committee is also investigating the possibility of other senior staff being involved in this.”

    In related news, a similar case of financial misconduct occurred at a private hospital in Chennai, where a 24-year-old female cashier was arrested for allegedly embezzling Rs. 52 lakh from the institution. The situation was uncovered when patients reported discrepancies in the hospital’s payment records, leading to an investigation.

  • Complaint Against Nakshatra Hospital for Unqualified Doctors and Unnecessary Surgeries

    Complaint Against Nakshatra Hospital for Unqualified Doctors and Unnecessary Surgeries

    Adilabad: Nakshatra Hospital in Adilabad district has come under scrutiny after serious allegations were made against the facility. Sama Rupesh Reddy, Vice President of the Youth Congress Assembly, has accused the hospital of operating without qualified medical professionals and performing unnecessary tests and surgeries on patients. According to Reddy, the hospital falsely claims to have certified doctors on staff, despite not employing any. He further alleged that patients are subjected to tests and surgeries that are not needed, causing undue harm.

    Reddy filed a formal complaint with the Public Health Director in Hyderabad, urging swift action against the hospital. In response, the director confirmed that an investigation would be initiated, and appropriate action would be taken based on the findings.

    In his complaint, Reddy emphasized that the hospital was violating government regulations and taking advantage of innocent patients, particularly tribal people in the region, by subjecting them to unnecessary procedures and treatments.

    This complaint is part of a broader pattern of allegations against private hospitals, including a recent investigation in Ahmedabad where several private hospitals were questioned about irregularities in their operations, especially concerning treatment under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) scheme.

  • Gauhati HC Allows Abortion for 26-Week Pregnant Minor Gangrape Victim

    Gauhati HC Allows Abortion for 26-Week Pregnant Minor Gangrape Victim

    Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has granted permission for the abortion of a 15-year-old gangrape victim, who is 26 weeks pregnant, from Assam’s Tinsukia district, citing her “best interest.” In response to a media report, a division bench of Justice Kalyan Rai Surana and Justice Susmita Phukan Khaund, on Monday, directed the state government to carry out a “medical termination of pregnancy” for the unwanted fetus and submit a status report by December 19.

    Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 (MTPA), abortion beyond 24 weeks is generally prohibited.

    According to the court order, a media report from November 29 revealed that the victim, aged 14 at the time, was gangraped by seven individuals, including four minors, in Tinsukia.

    During a hearing on December 5 (WP(C)(Suo Moto)/1/2024), the court formed a medical board and district-level committee, in line with the MTPA, to assess whether terminating the pregnancy would be advisable, with particular focus on the associated risks.

    While the medical board’s report confirmed that the girl is “fit to undergo any obstetrical procedure,” it refrained from recommending termination due to MTPA restrictions.

    The court acknowledged the serious situation of the minor, carrying an unwanted pregnancy beyond 26 weeks, and the potential life-threatening risks of abortion at this stage. However, it stated that the risks involved in terminating the pregnancy at this point appeared comparable to those she would face during a full-term delivery.

    Citing a Supreme Court judgment from April regarding a similar case in Maharashtra, the Gauhati HC asserted its authority under Article 226 of the Constitution to order the medical termination of pregnancy.

    The court concluded that this case is suitable for granting permission for an abortion, considering the minor’s welfare. It further noted that the penal provisions of the MTPA would not apply given the court’s order.

    The court directed the formation of a team of expert medical professionals to perform the abortion either in Tinsukia or at Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh, with the costs covered by the state. Additionally, the district authorities were instructed to provide counseling before and after the procedure to help the victim mentally prepare.

    The court also acknowledged that both the victim and her parents consented to the abortion, fully aware of the risks involved.

  • ESI Hospital in Tirupur Still Not Fully Operational, Ten Months After Inauguration

    ESI Hospital in Tirupur Still Not Fully Operational, Ten Months After Inauguration

    Coimbatore: More than ten months after its inauguration by Prime Minister Modi, the ESI hospital in Tirupur remains far from fully operational, leading to challenges in patient care.

    The 100-bed hospital, located on Pooluvapatti Ring Road in Tirupur, was inaugurated via videoconference on February 25. It was built at a cost of ₹82 crore to serve around 20 lakh insured employees and their families in Tirupur and Erode districts. Prior to this, these individuals had to rely on the ESI hospital in Coimbatore.

    However, despite the hospital’s inauguration, only 20 beds are currently in operation, leaving many patients needing treatment to be referred to Coimbatore, particularly for more complex medical procedures.

    A patient shared, “With only 20 beds available, most inpatients are being transferred to the Coimbatore hospital for advanced treatments.”

    Another patient noted, “Many departments remain closed due to a shortage of equipment, doctors, and technicians. It’s crucial that the Tirupur hospital is equipped to handle all kinds of treatment.”

    In response, Dr. R. Srinivasan, the hospital’s medical superintendent, stated, “Currently, seven outpatient services are operational, and inpatient services are available with 20 beds. Emergency, casualty, and ambulance services are also functioning. The equipment required to operate the remaining beds and services is being procured, and it will take another three to four months for the process to be completed.” He assured that the hospital will be fully operational in the coming months.

  • Private hospital staff arrested after female patient alleges sexual harassment

    Private hospital staff arrested after female patient alleges sexual harassment

    arrest
    arrest

    Visakhapatnam: In a shocking incident, a staff member of a private hospital was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly molesting a woman patient who was admitted following an accident.

    The relatives of the woman alleged that the person employed at the scanning department of the hospital took off her clothes for the test, moved her to the scanning room and molested her. They also claimed that the employee moved her to another floor for the test instead of taking her to the scanning room at the emergency ward.

    The incident happened after the woman was admitted to the hospital after sustaining injuries in an accident at Siripuram junction. After examining her condition, the hospital doctor suggested that the patient take a scanning test.

    “The employee at the hospital made her undress for the scanning. Instead of taking her to an emergency ward, she was taken to another floor for the scanning. Then he misbehaved with her in the scanning room,” the relative told The Hans India.

    Following the molestation, the relatives informed the matter to the hospital management demanding action against the employee. However, they alleged that the hospital refused to take action but instead supported the accused.

    However, the action against the employee was taken after the matter drew the attention of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu who immediately directed the police to probe the issue and take serious action against the erring staff.

    Based on his direction, the police registered an FIR under relevant sections of BNS and arrested the accused. Afterwards, he was remanded for 14 days after appearing before the court.

  • AIIMS Delhi Launches Feedback System for Inpatient Diet Quality

    AIIMS Delhi Launches Feedback System for Inpatient Diet Quality

    AIIMS
    AIIMS

    New Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi has unveiled a new initiative to gather patient feedback on the therapeutic and general diets served in its wards. Scheduled for implementation by December 31, the system aims to improve food quality, hygiene, and nutritional standards based on patient inputs.

    How It Works
    The Dietetics Department has introduced a streamlined mechanism that places QR codes at each patient’s bedside. Using their mobile phones, patients can scan the codes to provide feedback on their meal experiences. Additionally, dieticians will visit wards to collect first-hand insights directly from patients.

    Objective
    AIIMS Delhi Director Dr. M. Srinivas highlighted the significance of patient feedback in enhancing healthcare services. “This initiative empowers patients to directly influence the quality of food served and enables targeted improvements in hygiene and nutrition,” he said.

    Continuous Improvement
    Dieticians will monitor feedback for patterns in challenges or areas requiring adjustment, ensuring that the diet evolves to meet patients’ needs while maintaining safety and nutritional balance. This iterative process aims to align food services more closely with patient preferences and recovery requirements.

    Enhanced Patient Experience
    Dr. Rima Dada, Professor In-charge of the AIIMS Media Cell, emphasized the importance of good nutrition in recovery. “This real-time feedback system ensures patients receive optimal nutrition tailored to their medical and personal needs, fostering trust and communication between health providers and patients,” she stated.

    The initiative represents a significant step toward improving the hospital experience for inpatients, promoting better health outcomes through collaborative efforts to refine dietary services.

  • PMJAY Fraud: 5 Gujarat Hospitals Debarred for Irregularities

    PMJAY Fraud: 5 Gujarat Hospitals Debarred for Irregularities

    Khyati Multispeciality Hospital

    Ahmedabad: In a significant crackdown on fraudulent activities, the Gujarat Health Department has debarred five private hospitals and two doctors from participating in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) following a series of inspections revealing various irregularities. These actions come amid an ongoing investigation into Ahmedabad’s Khyati Multispecialty Hospital, which was involved in performing unnecessary angioplasty procedures on PMJAY beneficiaries to siphon off government funds.

    Between December 2 and December 8, five hospitals from Patan, Dahod, Ahmedabad, and Aravalli districts were suspended from the scheme, taking the total number of de-panelled hospitals in 2024 to 12. These hospitals were found to be involved in fraudulent practices, including altered medical reports, insufficient infrastructure, and violations of PMJAY guidelines.

    Key findings include:

    • Heer Children Hospital (Patan): Authorities altered 91 lab reports to gain benefits under PMJAY. The hospital also applied for higher insurance packages unjustifiably. A fine of Rs 50 lakh was imposed, and both the hospital and its doctor, Hiren Patel, were suspended from the scheme.
    • Niskha Children Hospital (Patan): 60 medical reports were altered to claim undue benefits. The hospital and its doctor, Divyesh Shah, were also suspended, with a recovery notice of Rs 15 lakh issued.
    • Sonal Hospital (Dahod): The hospital was de-empanelled for failing to meet the required staffing and infrastructure standards and for inadequate infection control measures.
    • Sentora Hospital (Ahmedabad): The hospital lacked proper authorization for its fourth and fifth floors, had insufficient staff, and was found with expired medicines on its premises.
    • Shree Jalaram Hospital (Aravalli): The hospital lacked a fire certificate and failed to meet the ICU norms, leading to its suspension.

    This crackdown is part of the state’s effort to ensure that PMJAY, which provides free medical treatment to the poor and middle class, is not misused. Since January 2024, the health department has debarred 12 hospitals for irregularities. The department emphasized that any malpractice would not be tolerated in the scheme designed to provide essential healthcare to underserved communities.

    In addition to these actions, the ongoing investigation into Khyati Multispecialty Hospital has led to the arrest of seven individuals, including the CEO and director, after the deaths of two PMJAY beneficiaries due to unnecessary angioplasty procedures. The hospital allegedly organized free check-up camps to persuade PMJAY cardholders to undergo the procedure, despite it being medically unnecessary, and falsely registered patients under the “emergency” category to expedite government approval.

  • Jagadhri Civil Hospital Struggles with Severe Staff Shortage, Operating at Just 46% Capacity

    Jagadhri Civil Hospital Struggles with Severe Staff Shortage, Operating at Just 46% Capacity

    Yamunanagar: The Sub-Divisional Hospital in Jagadhri, Yamunanagar, is grappling with a severe staff shortage, significantly affecting its ability to provide quality patient care. With 88 out of 164 sanctioned positions vacant, the hospital is currently functioning at only 46% of its required staffing capacity.

    An RTI request filed by advocate Kamal Anand last month revealed that the hospital is missing key medical personnel. Of the 42 sanctioned positions for Medical Officers, only 11 are filled, leaving 31 vacant. While 33 out of 38 nursing officer posts have been filled, 5 positions remain unfilled. There are also vacancies for 4 of the 8 Pharmacy Officer posts, and other crucial positions, such as a Plaster Technician, Senior Pharmacy Officer, Physiotherapists, and Chief Nursing Officer, are all missing.

    Despite the staff shortage, certain positions, including Senior Dental Surgeons, Senior Medical Officers, and Medical Lab Technologists, have been filled. However, the ongoing vacancies are hampering the hospital’s operations and patient care. The hospital handles an average of 800 patients daily at its outpatient department (OPD), and the lack of sufficient staff has led to an increasing number of patients being referred to other facilities for care.

    Dr. Anuj Mangla, Medical Superintendent of Jagadhri’s Sub-Divisional Civil Hospital, acknowledged the staffing challenges but assured that efforts are being made to manage the situation. He mentioned that, in the labor room, only two doctors are available, but two more doctors have been deputed to ensure that deliveries continue without disruption. He emphasized that the hospital is doing its best to manage the workload across various departments despite the staffing shortfall.

  • Union Minister Piyush Goyal Inaugurates New Floor of Sanjivani Hospital to Boost Healthcare in North Mumbai

    Mumbai: Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the newly added floor of Sanjivani Hospital in North Mumbai on Sunday, highlighting the facility’s role in addressing the healthcare needs of the region. The addition is expected to significantly enhance local healthcare services, making them more accessible to residents without the need to travel far for medical care.

    Piyush Goyal praised the efforts of the doctors and staff, stating, “The lack of healthcare services in North Mumbai had been a concern for a long time. I am glad that Sanjivani Hospital is addressing this by taking new initiatives to offer healthcare services. The introduction of an isolated ICU is a much-needed facility.”

    He added, “People will no longer have to go far for treatment. I am happy to see Sanjivani Hospital providing essential healthcare with a spirit of service.”

    In a post on X, Goyal expressed his gratitude, stating, “Today, I had the privilege of inaugurating the new wing of Sanjivani Multi-Speciality Hospital. This modern wing will help provide excellent health services to those in need. Many thanks to the entire staff, including the doctors, for their contributions.”

    Earlier, during his address at Assocham’s Bharat @100 Summit, Goyal spoke about the vital role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country’s industrial growth. He announced that the government is willing to allocate spaces for MSMEs within 20 upcoming townships across India. He emphasized that MSMEs are key to supporting large industries in the nation’s industrial ecosystem and stated that land could be provided to them at concessional rates.

    Goyal also reflected on the theme of the summit, “Fuelling Bharat’s Global Rise,” and reminded the audience of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Panch Pran,’ which includes a developed India, removal of the colonial mindset, pride in heritage, unity, and collective national duty.