Ahmedabad: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has lifted the interim stay on the suspension of Dr Prashant Vazirani’s medical licence, effectively reinstating the Gujarat Medical Council’s (GMC) three-year suspension order. Dr Vazirani, a cardiologist at Khyati Multispecialty Hospital, is accused of defrauding poor patients under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) scheme.
The Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the NMC had earlier stayed the suspension on April 10, 2025, citing procedural lapses and inadequate opportunity for the doctor to present his defense. The move, however, sparked strong public and professional backlash.
In response, the GMC made a detailed submission to the NMC on April 23, highlighting Dr Vazirani’s continued judicial custody since November 13, 2024, and pointing to serious ethical breaches, including performing procedures without patient consent.
Following a review of new evidence, the EMRB on April 25 vacated its stay, reinstating the original three-year suspension. The regulatory body has now directed all stakeholders to submit case-related documents and investigation reports within 10 days for further action.
Earlier, on March 22, the Sessions Court in Ahmedabad observed that both the doctor and hospital management engaged in unethical practices for financial gain under the PMJAY scheme.
Dr Vazirani remains in custody as investigations continue into what is being described as a major breach of trust under a national health programme meant to benefit India’s poorest.
