Narendra Yadav, impersonating UK-based Dr. N John Kem, under investigation; actual death toll may be higher
Damoh, Madhya Pradesh – In a chilling case of medical fraud, a man posing as a British cardiologist has allegedly performed unauthorised heart surgeries, leading to the deaths of at least seven patients at a private Christian missionary hospital in Damoh city.
The accused, identified as Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav, reportedly impersonated Dr. N John Kem, a UK-based doctor, and secured employment at the hospital by falsely claiming to be a qualified heart specialist, according to an ANI report.
Yadav went on to perform heart surgeries on multiple patients, several of whom died following the procedures. Authorities fear that the actual number of victims may be higher than the currently confirmed seven.
Complaints Ignored, Background Unverified
Deepak Tiwari, child welfare committee president and advocate, had earlier filed a complaint with the Damoh district magistrate, raising concerns about Yadav’s fake identity. He revealed that some patients narrowly escaped harm after seeking treatment elsewhere out of suspicion.
“We were told by families that he was ready to operate, but they took their father to Jabalpur instead. That’s when we realized he was an imposter. The real Dr. Kem is in Britain. This man is Narendra Yadav,” said Tiwari.
Tiwari also claimed that Yadav had a criminal record in Hyderabad and did not provide legitimate documentation when hired by the hospital.
Government Scheme Under Scrutiny
The hospital involved is said to have received funding under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, raising questions about oversight and accountability. Priyanka Kanoongo, a member of the National Human Rights Commission, confirmed that a probe is underway.
“We received complaints about surgeries performed by a fake doctor. The hospital is also reportedly linked with the Ayushman Bharat scheme, receiving government funds. This is a serious issue. We’ve taken cognisance, and an investigation is in progress,” Kanoongo told ANI.
Repeat Offender?
Yadav had reportedly posed as Dr. Kem in the past as well. In July 2023, he bizarrely posted on social media platform X, requesting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to send him to France to stop riots.
The Damoh police and state health authorities are currently investigating the case, which has raised alarm about the verification processes in private hospitals, especially those linked to public healthcare schemes.
Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
