Fake Cardiologist Arrested in India After Deaths of Seven Patients

Indian police have arrested a man accused of impersonating a renowned London-based cardiologist, following the deaths of seven patients at a private hospital in Madhya Pradesh.

The suspect, who identified himself as “Narendra John Camm”, was practising at Mission Hospital and has been charged with cheating and forgery, police superintendent Shrutkirti Somvanshi confirmed on Tuesday. 

“His documents have been found to be fake… The accused doctor has been arrested by our team,” Somvanshi told reporters. A mugshot published by local media shows the man with bleached yellow hair. 

The arrest follows an ongoing probe by India’s National Human Rights Commission into the deaths of seven patients earlier this year, all of whom had undergone angioplasty performed by the fake doctor.

Local reports indicate that the accused had been impersonating Professor John Camm, a respected British cardiologist and emeritus professor at St George’s University of London.

Professor Camm, who is not suspected of any wrongdoing, described the situation as “very disconcerting.” He said the impersonator falsely claimed ties to him and had been attempting to exploit his name for years. 

“My colleagues and I made repeated efforts to stop him over the past five years… but discovered there was little we could do,” Camm said, adding that Indian cardiologists had also tried to shut the man down.

Authorities were reportedly alerted after the family of one of the deceased patients raised concerns. “As soon as my mother died, the doctor vanished,” said Nabi Qureshi, whose mother was among the victims.

Madhya Pradesh deputy chief minister Rajendra Shukla has vowed that strict action will be taken against the suspect if found guilty.

Cases of medical imposters are not uncommon in India, especially in underserved rural areas. Government agencies have stepped up efforts in recent years to clamp down on unlicensed practitioners through raids and arrests.