Authorities in Damoh district have launched a high-level investigation into shocking allegations that a man posing as a British cardiologist performed heart surgeries at a Christian missionary hospital, allegedly resulting in at least seven patient deaths within a month.
The suspect, now identified as Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav, allegedly impersonated a reputed British doctor named Dr. N John Kem and gained employment at the hospital by submitting forged credentials. Several patients who underwent cardiac procedures performed by him reportedly died, triggering the probe.
"We are currently investigating multiple deaths reported at the missionary hospital," confirmed Damoh Superintendent of Police Abhishek Tiwari, speaking to the media on Friday. District Collector Sudhir Kochar said he would provide an official statement after the investigation concludes.
The initial complaint was filed by Deepak Tiwari, an advocate and District President of the Child Welfare Committee, who suspects that the real death toll could be higher than officially reported. "Some survivors have come forward with disturbing stories. One family told us they narrowly avoided surgery by this man after opting for treatment in Jabalpur," Tiwari said.
Authorities have since discovered that the accused has an existing criminal case in Hyderabad. All documents related to the suspect’s appointment and patient records have been seized from the hospital as part of the inquiry.
Priyank Kanoongo, a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), expressed deep concern over the fact that the hospital was allegedly receiving government funding under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. "This is an extremely serious matter. We have taken cognizance of the issue, and an official investigation is underway," Kanoongo said.
The suspect is also believed to have a history of impersonation. In July 2023, an individual using the same alias made a controversial social media post suggesting that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath be sent to France to resolve riots there. The post, accompanied by doctored images of the impersonator with the CM, drew widespread ridicule from political figures at the time.
District authorities continue to assess the full scope of the alleged fraud, including potential lapses in hospital verification procedures, and the broader implications for patient safety and public health.
