Should Separate FIRs Be Filed and Victim Families Compensated in the Mission Hospital Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- NHRC demands accountability: Separate FIRs for each incident are crucial for justice.
- Compensation to victims: Financial reparations for families affected by the scandal.
- Healthcare reform needed: The case underscores serious flaws in oversight and patient safety.
- Whistleblower protection: Essential to encourage reporting of such malpractices.
- Nationwide audit proposed: An audit of Cath Labs to ensure compliance with regulations.
Bhopal, July 2 (NationPress) In the notorious fake doctor scandal concerning Mission Hospital in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has mandated the state government to file distinct FIRs for each incident and offer reparations to the families of the victims.
In an order issued on July 1, the NHRC instructed the Madhya Pradesh government to revoke the hospital's license, allocate Rs 10 lakh to each deceased person’s next of kin, and investigate the illicit use of Nazul land where the hospital operates.
The Commission also called for a comprehensive audit of Cath Labs across the nation and emphasized the need for stricter adherence to Ayushman Bharat guidelines.
The Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh has been directed to start a departmental investigation against the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Damoh. The Chief Commissioner of Income Tax is tasked with probing foreign donations allegedly raised under the pretext of treating underprivileged patients.
Additionally, the Economic Offences Wing will investigate financial irregularities, while the Union Ministry of Health has been instructed to verify Cath Lab operations nationwide.
The NHRC has also directed the Director General of Police to document separate FIRs for each reported death.
The case revolves around an individual impersonating a renowned UK-based cardiologist, Dr. N John Camm, who was actually an unqualified person named Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav. Between December 2024 and February 2025, Yadav allegedly performed at least 15 cardiac procedures, resulting in the deaths of seven patients.
Following a complaint from local whistleblowers, the NHRC conducted an on-site investigation from April 7 to 9, 2025. Findings indicated that Yadav falsely claimed to be an alumnus of North Bengal Medical College, a claim that the institution has denied.
The hospital also exploited the credentials of another doctor, Dr. Akhilesh Dubey, to fraudulently acquire a license for its Cath Lab without his knowledge or consent.
Despite the gravity of the situation, only one FIR had been filed initially. The NHRC criticized the police for resorting to outdated laws and failing to apply suitable charges such as culpable homicide, cheating, and forgery.
Now, the Commission has insisted on separate FIRs for each case and disciplinary measures against the police officers involved.
The inquiry further uncovered that the hospital systematically abused the Ayushman Bharat scheme, overcharging patients up to Rs 2.5 lakh for procedures that were supposed to be complimentary.
Patients’ Ayushman cards were confiscated upon admission, without any refunds or medical reports provided—a practice that not only infringed on patient rights but also undermined the scheme’s intent.
The NHRC has urged for whistleblower protection for complainants Deepak Tiwari and Krishna Patel, who played an instrumental role in bringing the scandal to light.
This case has sparked widespread public outcry and renewed demands for comprehensive reform in healthcare oversight and accountability.