BMC orders urgent verification of doctors' credentials after fake medical staff scandal

Concerns over unregistered doctors working in BMC-run hospitals have sparked demands for accountability. The issue was raised during a General Body meeting, with opposition leaders and officials calling for stricter verification of medical credentials. Leader of the Opposition Kishori Pednekar highlighted the presence of fake doctors in municipal hospitals. Congress group leader Ashraf Azmi demanded answers for the appointment of unregistered medical staff. He also claimed that Dr. Bharat Sawant continued to receive a salary of around Rs 2.5 lakh despite being barred from V.N. Desai Hospital.

The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) then issued a notice to the Municipal Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone VIII). They sought details on the action taken against Dr. Sawant, who had worked in the ICU of V.N. Desai Hospital without registration from the Maharashtra Medical Council.

In response, the BMC directed all hospital deans and medical superintendents to re-verify the degrees and credentials of doctors. Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr. Vipin Sharma explained that ICU doctor services had previously been outsourced through tenders. Former Health Committee Chairperson Dr. Archana Bhalerao pushed for tougher checks on foreign medical graduates and action against both unregistered doctors and the agencies hiring them. The BMC has now ordered a fresh verification of all doctors’ credentials across its hospitals. The move aims to ensure compliance and prevent unqualified individuals from practising. Officials will also review the role of agencies involved in these appointments.