Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar
Srinagar, Jun 20: Allegations of large-scale medical malpractice involving a senior cardiologist at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag have triggered outrage in Jammu and Kashmir, with authorities accusing the doctor of patient exploitation, fraudulent insurance claims, and conducting unnecessary cardiac procedures.
Dr. Syed Maqbool, a cardiologist posted at GMC Anantnag, is facing serious disciplinary action after a government inquiry uncovered what officials described as deliberate professional misconduct and manipulation of official medical records.
According to an explanation issued by the government, discrepancies emerged after online Treatment Management System (TMS) claims were compared with entries in the hospital's Cath Lab Procedure Register. Investigators found that Dr. Maqbool had carried out Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) procedures while submitting claims for Dual Chamber Pacemaker implants.
The matter was subsequently referred by the State Health Agency (SHA) to the Head of the Cardiology Department at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) for an expert assessment due to a sudden rise in LBBAP procedures.
The expert panel observed that LBBAP is an advanced cardiac intervention that should only be performed under strict clinical conditions, primarily for patients suffering from moderate to severe left ventricular dysfunction and specific electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities.
However, an audit of 55 cases handled by Dr. Maqbool revealed that 27 patients — nearly half of the total — had normal heart function and did not meet the medical criteria for the procedure. Authorities concluded that these interventions were medically unjustified and subsequently rejected the related claims.
Investigators further alleged that the cardiologist deliberately misrepresented procedures in the government system, circumvented authorised procurement channels, and compelled patients to spend money on treatments they were legally entitled to receive free of cost.
Officials described the actions as a serious breach of professional ethics, abuse of official authority, and grave medical negligence. The government notice stated that such conduct amounted to failure in duty, behaviour unbecoming of a government servant, and misconduct severe enough to warrant disciplinary proceedings, including possible termination from service.
The inquiry also uncovered an alleged pacemaker implantation scam involving 103 cardiac patients and highlighted instances of financial exploitation under the PMJAY-SEHAT health insurance scheme.
In one documented case, a patient identified as Peer Rafiq Ahmad was reportedly forced to pay Rs 70,000 to a private supplier for a cardiac procedure despite being eligible for completely cashless treatment under the government-sponsored programme.
Investigators said beneficiary audits and field verification confirmed that the payment occurred outside the official hospital system and that the patient linked the transaction to instructions from the treating doctor.
Authorities termed the incident a serious violation of PMJAY-SEHAT regulations and a direct infringement of patients' rights.
The chargesheet further alleges that Dr. Maqbool bypassed approved procurement procedures by obtaining medical implants and equipment directly from private vendors instead of following institutional mechanisms involving the PMJAY section, Casualty Medical Officer and AMRIT Store.