Haryana Human Rights Commission Launches Investigation Into Faridabad Heart Centre
The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into serious allegations concerning the Meditrina Heart Centre, a cardiac facility operating under a public-private partnership (PPP) model at Civil Hospital in Faridabad. The commission has formally requested a detailed report from state health authorities regarding multiple complaints of medical malpractice and financial misconduct.
Allegations of Unqualified Medical Procedures
At the core of the investigation are disturbing allegations that an unqualified doctor performed numerous heart surgeries at the facility. According to the complaint taken up by HHRC, the Meditrina Heart Centre permitted a doctor who was not a qualified heart surgeon to conduct cardiac procedures, resulting in what the commission described as "grave injustice" to patients.
This is not the first instance of such malpractice at the facility. In June 2025, The Times of India reported that an MBBS doctor named Pankaj Mohan Sharma allegedly posed as a cardiologist and performed over 50 heart procedures during an eight-month period at the Badshah Khan Civil Hospital heart centre. Investigations revealed that Sharma misused the registration number of a legitimate cardiologist to carry out these unauthorized procedures.
Reuse of Medical Equipment and Potential Health Risks
The commission has highlighted additional serious concerns regarding the reuse of critical medical equipment. According to the complaint, essential medical supplies including needles, balloons, wires, and catheters were reused multiple times at the heart centre, in direct violation of guidelines established by both the Medical Council of India and the World Health Organization.
Such practices, the complaint alleges, may have contributed to several patient deaths at the facility. The potential health risks associated with reused medical equipment in cardiac procedures are particularly severe, as they can lead to infections, complications, and compromised treatment outcomes.
Financial Irregularities and Double Billing
Beyond medical malpractice, the investigation has uncovered significant financial irregularities. According to the HHRC order, the private agency operating the heart centre under a 2017 agreement with the Haryana government allegedly engaged in double billing practices.
The agency, which is linked to the Ayushman Bharat healthcare scheme, reportedly charged patients directly for services while simultaneously claiming payments from the government hospital. This practice potentially resulted in substantial financial losses to the state exchequer and represents a clear violation of the PPP agreement terms.
Legal Proceedings and Government Response
The matter has already entered the legal system, with an FIR registered on October 29, 2024, by the Faridabad anti-corruption bureau against Dr. Prathap Kumar, chairman-cum-managing director of the company operating the heart centre. The FIR includes charges under Indian Penal Code sections related to cheating, forgery, and destruction of evidence. Dr. Kumar was subsequently granted anticipatory bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in December 2024.
Despite these legal proceedings, the complaint alleges that the state government has not taken adequate action against the company and is even considering renewing its contract. This has raised serious concerns about public health safeguards and accountability mechanisms.
Haryana Health Minister Arti Rao addressed the situation, stating, "The matter concerning the Meditrina Heart Centre, located within the Civil Hospital in Faridabad, is currently sub judice following the registration of an FIR. A final decision on this matter will be rendered by the Honorable Court. In the interim, no consideration is currently being given to the renewal of the Centre. It is noteworthy that the original PPP MoU remains valid until May 2027."
Commission's Concerns and Next Steps
The Haryana Human Rights Commission has expressed grave concerns about the situation, noting that "if the allegations... are found to be true, it would amount to a gross violation of the human rights of citizens." The commission emphasized that failure to act against a company accused of endangering lives raises serious questions about public health protection in the state.
The commission has directed the additional chief secretary (health), director general of health services, and Faridabad chief medical officer to submit a comprehensive report covering several critical aspects. These include action taken against the company, the current status of its contract, steps regarding alleged fund misappropriation, and efforts to appoint a new agency if necessary.
Faridabad Chief Medical Officer Jayant Ahuja told The Times of India, "I have not received the order yet and would be able to comment only after going through it." When questioned about whether the contract for the heart centre had been renewed, he declined to comment.
The initial complaint that brought this matter to light was filed by Sanjay Gupta, a Faridabad-based lawyer, leading to the removal of the accused doctor by hospital management. The HHRC has now listed the matter for further hearing on April 9, marking a significant step in addressing these serious allegations of medical negligence and financial misconduct at a critical healthcare facility.
