Fake doctor case: Hospital may face legal action
Kadalundi (Kozhikode): Police have announced that they will take action against the management of TMH Hospital here after a fake doctor was found to have practiced there for over four and a half years. Preliminary investigations reveal that the hospital failed to properly verify the credentials, including his educational qualifications, prior to hiring.
Police officials claim that there were discrepancies between the name listed in the hospital's register and the doctor’s actual name, yet the authorities did not perform a thorough check.
During a recent inspection of the hospital, police seized relevant documents related to the fake doctor and the hiring process. This evidence will form the basis for naming the hospital management as the accused in the case.
Alongside the police inquiry, the local health department is conducting its own investigation and is expected to implement further actions against the hospital.
Fake doctor case exposed
A 60-year-old patient, Vinod Kumar, died shortly after being admitted for chest pain in Malappuram. According to his family, he was subjected to a blood test without a proper medical examination and passed away within half an hour of admission.
Initially, Kumar’s family had no complaints regarding the treatment he received. However, the situation took a turn when his daughter-in-law, upon visiting the hospital, recognised the attending doctor, Abu Abraham Luke, as an old classmate. She informed her family and authorities that Luke had never completed his medical studies.
Further investigations revealed that Luke had worked at eight different hospitals in the Malappuram district. His conduct and the treatment he provided led many to believe he was a qualified specialist.
In light of these revelations, Kumar’s family filed a complaint with the police. Authorities found that Luke had been practising medicine without an MBBS degree. Assistant Commissioner A. M. Siddique confirmed that a case has been registered against him under various sections relating to fraud, impersonation, and violations of medical regulations.
According to the family, Luke had served as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) at the hospital for five years. Hospital manager Manoj P. admitted that Luke had been hired for two days a week based on his experience at other facilities, but he confirmed that Luke has since been removed from his position.
He allegedly used the registration number of another person with the same name to practise medicine. Luke charged the hospital ₹3,600 for night duties and ₹7,200 for day and night shifts.