Faridabad Cardiac Centre Reopens Amid Oversight Questions and Pending Allegations
The cardiac centre at Badshah Khan Civil Hospital in Faridabad has officially reopened, restoring critical healthcare services to the community. However, this development raises significant concerns about oversight, accountability, and timing, as serious allegations linked to the facility continue to be scrutinized by authorities.
Reopening Under Existing PPP Agreement
Service resumed on Friday, with the centre continuing to operate under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Health Minister Arti Rao clarified that no renewal of the contract is being considered; instead, the existing PPP agreement remains in effect according to its original terms until May 2027. Officials reiterated this point, emphasizing that the reopening does not signify any new contractual decisions.
Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel and Mayor Praveen Joshi visited the hospital on Friday to oversee the restart. Faridabad Chief Medical Officer Jayat Ahuja confirmed to TOI, "The contract is valid till May 2027. It has not been renewed; it is continuing as per the original terms."
Allegations and Investigations
The reopening comes just days after the Haryana Human Rights Commission took cognizance of a complaint alleging that Meditrina Heart Centre, which operates the cardiac facility, allowed a doctor who was not a qualified heart surgeon to perform cardiac procedures. This reportedly resulted in "grave injustice" to patients. The commission has directed the additional chief secretary of health, the director general of health services, and the Faridabad chief medical officer to submit a detailed report on:
- Action taken against the company
- Status of its contract
- Steps regarding alleged fund misappropriation
- Efforts to appoint a new agency
The matter is still under examination, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Ongoing Legal and Regulatory Issues
A sequence of events has created a grey zone of uncertainty. An FIR registered in October 2024 by the Faridabad anti-corruption bureau against a top functionary of the company is still active, with allegations including cheating, forgery, and destruction of evidence. A separate complaint details how an MBBS doctor allegedly posed as a cardiologist and performed dozens of heart procedures, alongside claims of reuse of critical consumables and double billing under government schemes.
Authorities have maintained silence on specifics, citing the matter as sub judice. Ahuja stated, "The issue is before the court and any outcome will depend on judicial proceedings."
Patient Access vs. Systemic Risks
For patients, the reopening restores access to much-needed cardiac care, addressing a critical healthcare gap in the region. However, for the healthcare system, it puts the spotlight back on whether regulatory checks have kept pace with the risks flagged over the past year.
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 centre. Sharma misused the registration number of a legitimate cardiologist, with the fraud coming to light after a complaint by Faridabad-based lawyer Sanjay Gupta. The accused was subsequently removed by the hospital management.
The case before the Haryana Human Rights Commission is scheduled for April 9, and its findings are likely to determine whether the current arrangement can continue without deeper intervention. This ongoing scrutiny highlights the tension between providing essential services and ensuring accountability in public health partnerships.
