Faridabad, June 7 — An MBBS-qualified doctor allegedly masqueraded as a cardiologist and performed more than 50 heart surgeries over eight months at a government hospital, police said Saturday. The imposter used the registration number of a practising cardiologist to carry out the critical procedures, putting patients at serious risk.
The scam unraveled when a patient consulted the genuine cardiologist, Dr. Pankaj Mohan, raising suspicions that triggered an inquiry. Police confirmed that while Sharma held an MBBS degree, he was not authorised to conduct cardiac surgeries. “Several patients developed complications, and sadly, some lost their lives,” a senior police officer said.
An FIR has been filed against the management of the heart care centre located at Badshah Khan Civil Hospital under the Faridabad NIT police station, with investigations ongoing. The centre is operated by Mediterina Hospital under a public-private partnership.
Sharma joined the centre in July 2024, allegedly impersonating Dr. Pankaj Mohan by using his registration number 2456 instead of his own MBBS registration number, 28482. Police said Sharma’s prescriptions bore a forged stamp falsely indicating a DNB (Cardiology) qualification.
Adding to the case, advocate and social activist Sanjay Gupta lodged a complaint on April 11, accusing Sharma of obtaining additional qualifications through forged documents.
Police said Sharma worked at the centre from July 2024 until February 2025. When doubts about his credentials surfaced, Sharma stopped attending work. The real Dr. Mohan filed a complaint with the Indian Medical Association and issued a legal notice to Sharma.
Hospital authorities have not revealed the exact number of patients Sharma treated or operated upon. However, relatives of some deceased patients have voiced concerns. Raja Ram, from Palwal district, alleged, “My father died the day after undergoing a stent implantation by Sharma on January 10.”
When approached, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jayant Ahuja declined to comment. Heart centre chairman Dr. Pratap Kumar said Sharma was asked to produce valid documents, which he failed to do, leading to termination of his services.
Police said a detailed investigation is underway and assured that “action will be taken as per the law.”
