Health authorities in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, have sealed the cath lab of Mission Hospital where a man posing as a renowned British cardiologist allegedly performed unauthorized heart surgeries, resulting in at least seven deaths.
District Health Officer Vikrant Singh Chauhan stated on Wednesday:
“On the directions of the district administration, only the cath lab has been sealed, as all the operations and cases have happened here. There is evidence in this area, so we have sealed the lab. The angiography and angioplasty of several patients who died were performed in this cath lab only.”
The action follows the arrest of Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav, who allegedly impersonated British doctor N John Camm and conducted critical heart procedures at the hospital without proper medical qualifications. He has also been accused of forging documents to carry out these operations.
Victims’ families are now speaking out. Jitendra Singh Rajput, whose father died after one such surgery, shared his experience:
“My name is Jitendra Singh Rajput. I took my father to the hospital as he was experiencing chest pain. The doctors said it was a heart attack and that he needed to be operated on. I told them I did not have money, and they said the Ayushman card could be used.”
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured stringent action:
“In the incident that came to light in Damoh, our government is taking strict action. Our government does not make any delay in taking action against such cases. Our government has built its own credibility. I have instructed that if there is any other such case, the health department should take strict action against them.”
State Minister Prahlad Patel added that the hospital had been involved in past controversies and called for a thorough investigation.
“That institution (missionary hospital) has been controversial since past… This is a serious case, and that place has had ongoing controversies, and this is why strict investigation should ensue… There should be no politics in the matter, and the focus should be on relieving the victims and punishing the culprits.”
Authorities are continuing their investigation, with pressure mounting for accountability and justice for the victims.