Delhi Medical Council bars Fortis doctors from using ‘super specialist’ titles; Father’s 8-year legal battle brings partial relief
New Delhi: In a major development linked to a prolonged medical negligence case, the Delhi Medical Council (DMC) on May 21, 2025, restrained Dr. Akhilesh Singh and Dr. Vivek Jain of Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh from using the designations of Neonatologist and Super Specialist. The council also announced that their qualifications as pediatricians are pending further enquiry.
The action follows a complaint filed by Delhi-based advocate Sachin Jain, whose son Devarsh allegedly suffered severe brain damage during a routine postnatal stay at Fortis in August 2017. Despite a normal delivery, the newborn was shifted to the NICU for 11 days, where, according to Jain, “something went terribly wrong.”
Now 8 years old, Devarsh is bedridden, non-verbal, and unable to recognise his parents. The family alleges that his condition resulted from negligence by doctors unqualified to handle neonates.
DMC Cracks Down After Years of Inaction
The DMC’s order cites information from the UK General Medical Council and confirms that Dr. Akhilesh Singh, who holds only an MBBS degree, is not qualified to practice as a super specialist. Similar doubts have been raised about Dr. Vivek Jain’s credentials.
“For eight years, I have fought for justice for my son,” said Sachin Jain. “This order is just one step. These doctors should not be allowed to treat patients again.”
Jain’s pursuit of accountability exposed what he calls systemic regulatory failures, alleging that the National Medical Commission and DMC delayed action despite ample evidence. He has also filed a PIL demanding a verification mechanism for doctor credentials, so patients can verify doctors’ qualifications before seeking care.
Fortis Hospital Yet to Respond Publicly
The hospital has not issued a formal statement since the DMC order. Meanwhile, Sachin Jain has demanded:
- Immediate cancellation of the two doctors’ licenses,
- Criminal proceedings against them,
- Action against Fortis Hospital for employing unqualified staff in critical care.
A Father’s Plea for Systemic Reform
“What hurts the most,” Jain said emotionally, “is that this was avoidable. If we had known these doctors were unqualified, we would have gone elsewhere. Families deserve transparency. Justice for Devarsh is justice for every child.”
The DMC’s restraint order is a significant milestone in Jain’s legal fight, but the final outcome—justice for Devarsh—still lies ahead in a country where medical negligence cases often face insurmountable hurdles.
