Fake cardiologist performs 50 surgeries at Faridabad hospital using stolen identity

A doctor with only an MBBS degree allegedly posed as a cardiologist and conducted over 50 heart procedures in eight months at Badshah Khan Civil Hospital in Faridabad. The doctor, identified as Pankaj Mohan Sharma, used a fake identity and forged qualifications while working at the heart care centre operated by Mediterina Hospital under a public-private partnership, a TOI report stated.

Complaint leads to investigation

The matter came to light when Sanjay Gupta, a lawyer and social activist, lodged a complaint at NIT Faridabad police station on April 11. Citing sources, Gupta alleged that Sharma had acquired additional medical degrees using forged documents.

Preliminary police investigation found that Sharma used the National Medical Commission (NMC) registration number 2456, which belongs to a registered cardiologist named Dr Pankaj Mohan. Sharma's actual registration number is 28482 and only qualifies him as a general physician.

Hospital employed him despite doubts

Dr Sharma joined Mediterina Hospital in July last year. Despite being unqualified for cardiac care, he performed several procedures at the heart centre. His prescriptions falsely displayed credentials such as an MD and DNB (cardiology). He also used a stamp identifying himself as a cardiologist.

“The hospital management continued to employ an unqualified and fraudulent doctor who lacks any degree or recognised specialisation in cardiology. Dr Sharma falsely claimed qualifications of MD and DNB (cardiology), which are entirely fraudulent,” said lawyer Gupta.

Real doctor files complaint

Dr Pankaj Mohan, whose identity was misused, filed a complaint with the Indian Medical Association in January. He also sent a legal notice to Dr Sharma.

In February, Sharma abruptly stopped visiting the hospital after being asked to produce his medical certificates. “Many patients began enquiring about him and eventually visited the real Dr Pankaj Mohan. When Dr Mohan clarified that he had never worked at the heart centre, the allegations strengthened,” a doctor at Badshah Khan said.

False name on social media

Dr Sharma maintained a Facebook profile under the name ‘Kshitiz Mohan’ and was listed as the director of a film production company, further casting doubt on his medical background.

Hospital removes doctor

Dr M Pratap Kumar, CMD of Mediterina Hospital and head of the heart centre at Badshah Khan, confirmed that Sharma had been terminated.

“He applied through formal HR channels as a general physician. We always had suspicion about his DM (cardiology) degree and acted on it,” said Dr Kumar.

The investigation is ongoing.

(The article orignially appeared in TOI)