The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the Union Health Ministry to carry out a nationwide audit of cardiac catheterization laboratories (cath labs) after its investigation into a shocking case in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, where a man posing as a cardiologist performed heart procedures, leading to at least seven patient deaths.
India reportedly has around 1,600 cath labs across 140 cities, with nearly 220 new ones being established every year. These labs are advanced medical units where minimally invasive heart procedures like angiography and angioplasty are performed.
The case that triggered the NHRC’s intervention involved Narendra Vikarmadtiya Yadav, who allegedly forged documents to impersonate renowned London cardiologist Dr. N. John Camm. Despite having no formal medical qualifications, Yadav carried out critical cardiac procedures at a Mission Hospital in Damoh. He had previously worked at various hospitals, including Apollo Hospital in Raipur, and was earlier suspended by the Medical Council of India over fraud allegations.
The NHRC’s 8-page report reveals that Yadav had neither a recognized cardiology specialization nor even an MBBS degree. Although his documents claimed he graduated from North Bengal Medical College in Darjeeling, the college confirmed to the Commission that Yadav never studied there.
The NHRC has instructed authorities in Madhya Pradesh to verify the credentials of all doctors working in cath labs across the state.
The report also exposed significant lapses in the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) at the Mission Hospital. Despite being empanelled under the government scheme meant to provide free treatment to the poor, the hospital forced patients to pay for procedures and also made reimbursement claims from the government.
The Commission stated that the hospital falsely presented Yadav as a qualified interventional cardiologist and failed to follow basic medical regulations, putting patient safety at risk. It recommended that the state police file criminal charges including culpable homicide, cheating, forgery, and fraud—against the hospital management.
In its July 1 letter to the Union Health Secretary, Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary, and the state’s Director General of Police, NHRC demanded a detailed action-taken report within four weeks.
“Our investigation has exposed serious systemic failures that cost innocent lives. We expect comprehensive action across multiple levels to prevent such tragedies from happening again,” NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said.
