BMC orders urgent re-check of doctors' credentials after fake physician scandal

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ordered a re-verification of doctors’ credentials across its hospitals. This follows a scandal involving a fake doctor at V.N. Desai Hospital. The move aims to ensure all medical staff hold valid qualifications and registrations. The controversy began after Dr Bharat Sawant, an MBBS graduate from Russia, worked at V.N. Desai Hospital without Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) registration. The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) later issued a notice demanding details of action taken against him.

Leader of the Opposition Kishori Pednekar and Congress group leader Ashraf Azmi raised concerns in the BMC General Body meeting. Azmi claimed Dr Sawant continued working at Trauma Care Hospital in Jogeshwari, earning around Rs 2.5 lakh, despite being barred from V.N. Desai Hospital.

In response, the BMC administration directed hospital deans and medical superintendents to re-verify all doctors’ degrees and credentials. Dr Archana Bhalerao also called for stronger verification processes for foreign medical graduates in municipal hospitals.

The BMC now directly manages ICU doctor services in its hospitals. The contractor Sai Sanjeevani Polyclinic and Nursing Home was blacklisted in 2024. The re-verification drive is underway to prevent unauthorised medical practice. The BMC has taken steps to tighten oversight and ensure only qualified doctors serve in its facilities. The SHRC and opposition leaders continue to monitor the situation closely.