Ahmedabad Hospital Scam: Gujarat Medical Council Suspends Licenses of Two Doctors

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a significant crackdown on medical malpractice, the Gujarat Medical Council (GMC) has suspended the licenses of two doctors involved in the Khyati Hospital scam in Ahmedabad. The disciplinary action, taken during the GMC's General Body meeting, revokes the medical licenses of Dr. Sanjay Muljibhai Patoliya and Dr. Shaileshkumar Amrutlal Anand for three years under Section 22(1)(b)(i) of the Gujarat Medical Council Act, 1967. The decision comes in light of the public health risks posed by their actions, and both doctors have been directed to surrender their licenses immediately.

The controversy erupted after Khyati Multispeciality Hospital conducted a medical camp in Kadi under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Investigations revealed that unnecessary angiographies and stent implantations were performed on 19 individuals who did not require the procedures. The malpractice led to the deaths of two patients, Nagarbhai Senma (59) and Mahesh Barot (45), in November 2024, prompting further scrutiny into the hospital's activities.

As the investigation progressed, authorities uncovered additional deaths linked to fraudulent medical procedures, bringing the total death toll to nine. Several hospital officials, including CEO Chirag Rajput and medical director Dr. Sanjay Patoliya, have been arrested. The prime accused, hospital director Kartik Patel, was apprehended at Ahmedabad airport after being on the run. Officials have warned that more legal actions may follow as inquiries continue.

The hospital, under the pretense of free health check-ups, targeted unsuspecting individuals in rural areas, including Borisana village in Mehsana district. Many healthy individuals, including an 18-year-old, were falsely diagnosed with severe cardiac conditions and subjected to invasive treatments. The fraudulent scheme exploited the PM-JAY insurance plan, which provides up to Rs 5 lakh in coverage for economically disadvantaged patients. Over 18 months, Khyati Hospital allegedly amassed Rs 11 crore, with 70 percent of its revenue derived from false claims under the scheme.

The GMC’s decisive action marks a crucial step in addressing medical fraud and restoring public trust in the healthcare system. However, the case underscores the need for stricter regulations and oversight of private hospitals operating under government health schemes.