Fake doctors scandal rocks Mumbai's BMC hospitals, sparks credential crackdown

A controversy over fake doctors in BMC-run hospitals has led to calls for stricter verification of medical credentials. Opposition leaders raised the issue during a General Body meeting, highlighting concerns about unregistered practitioners in municipal facilities. The issue came to light after Dr Bharat Sawant, an MBBS graduate from Russia, was found working at V.N. Desai Hospital without Maharashtra Medical Council registration. Despite the discovery, Ashraf Azmi claimed Sawant continued to receive a salary of around Rs 2.5 lakh. The State Human Rights Commission later issued a notice to the Municipal Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police, seeking details of action taken against him.

In response, the BMC directed hospital deans and medical superintendents to re-verify the degrees and credentials of all doctors in municipal hospitals. Sai Sanjeevani Polyclinic and Nursing Home, the agency that supplied Sawant, was blacklisted in 2024. Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Vipin Sharma also confirmed that ICU doctor services, previously outsourced, are now managed directly by the BMC.

Congress group leader Ashraf Azmi and Leader of the Opposition Kishori Pednekar pushed for accountability in the General Body meeting. Dr Archana Bhalerao further urged the BMC to tighten verification for foreign medical graduates and take action against unregistered doctors and appointing agencies. The BMC has ordered a fresh verification of all doctors' qualifications across its hospitals. The blacklisting of Sai Sanjeevani Polyclinic and Nursing Home marks a step to prevent future incidents. Officials are now required to ensure all medical staff hold valid registrations.