Gurgaon: Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has sought a detailed report from state health authorities over allegations of an unqualified doctor performing heart surgeries, reuse of medical equipment and financial irregularities at the heart centre operating under a public-private partnership at Civil Hospital in Faridabad.The commission took cognisance of a complaint alleging that Meditrina Heart Centre, which was running the cardiac facility, allowed a doctor who was not a qualified heart surgeon to carry out cardiac procedures, resulting in “grave injustice” to patients. The commission has directed the additional chief secretary (health), director general of health services and Faridabad chief medical officer to submit a detailed report on action taken against the company, status of its contract, steps regarding alleged fund misappropriation, and efforts to appoint a new agency. In June 2025, TOI reported that an MBBS doctor, Pankaj Mohan Sharma, allegedly posed as a cardiologist and performed over 50 heart procedures in eight months at the Badshah Khan Civil Hospital heart centre. Investigations found that Sharma misused the registration number of a legitimate cardiologist. He was hired by the private operator running the centre under the PPP model.That fraud came to light after a complaint by Sanjay Gupta, a Faridabad-based lawyer. The accused was removed by the hospital management. In the present case, the commission flagged allegations that critical medical equipment such as needles, balloons, wires and catheters was reused multiple times, in violation of guidelines of the Medical Council of India and the World Health Organization. Such practices, the complaint said, may have led to several deaths at the facility.Financial irregularities have also been raised. As per the order, the private agency, operating under a 2017 agreement with the Haryana govt and linked to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, allegedly charged patients directly while also claiming payments from the govt hospital — leading to double billing and potential loss to the exchequer.HHRC noted that an FIR dated Oct 29, 2024 under IPC sections related to cheating, forgery and destruction of evidence has already been registered by the Faridabad anti-corruption bureau against Dr Prathap Kumar, chairman-cum-managing director of the company. He was later granted anticipatory bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Dec 2024.Despite this, the complaint alleged that the state govt has not taken adequate action and is considering renewing the company’s contract.“If the allegations… are found to be true, it would amount to a gross violation of the human rights of citizens,” the commission observed, adding that failure to act against a company accused of endangering lives raises serious concerns over public health safeguards. The matter is now listed for April 9.“The matter concerning the Meditrina Heart Centre, located within the Civil Hospital in Faridabad, is currently sub judice following the registration of an FIR. A final decision on this matter will be rendered by the Honorable Court. In the interim, no consideration is currently being given to the renewal of the Centre. It is noteworthy that the original PPP MoU remains valid until May 2027,” said Arti Rao, health minister of Haryana.Faridabad chief medical officer Jayant Ahuja told TOI, “I have not received the order yet and would be able to comment only after going through it.” When asked whether the contract for the heart centre had been renewed, he refused to comment.
