Rajkot doctor accused of negligence, overcharging in cancer surgery

Rajkot: A doctor at a private hospital in Rajkot has come under scrutiny after a patient’s family alleged medical negligence and excessive billing following a surgical procedure that they claim left the patient in a critical condition. The doctor has denied the allegations, stating that he is instead facing threats from the patient’s relatives. 

The complaint relates to a patient who reportedly approached the hospital around a year ago for treatment of a mouth ulcer. The family of the patient alleged that the surgery was initially described as a minor, costing Rs 50,000, which later escalated into a cancer surgery, with the total amount collected reaching approximately Rs 4 lakh in instalments. The family also alleged that the patient’s condition did not improve after the operation and that mounting medical expenses caused significant financial hardship.

According to a media report by Bhaskar English, the issue gained public attention after the patient’s daughter posted a video on social media seeking help from the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Gujarat. In the video, she claimed that her father’s health deteriorated after the surgery and that the family was pushed into financial distress due to treatment costs. She also stated that she had to drop out of school because the family could no longer afford her school fees.

The patient’s wife has alleged that the hospital did not clearly communicate the seriousness of the procedure in the beginning. She further stated that due to the loss of income and ongoing expenses, she has taken up work as a security guard, including night shifts, to support the household. The family has submitted a written complaint to the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, seeking action against the hospital and appropriate medical care for the patient.

Responding to the allegations, the doctor denied any wrongdoing and described the claims as false. He stated that he has received threatening messages via WhatsApp from the patient’s relatives and has shared screenshots as evidence. The doctor also claimed that the patient had requested that his wife not be informed about the seriousness of the surgery. He has maintained that he remains willing to provide further treatment if required.

Meanwhile, the Health Officer of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation clarified that the hospital is not empanelled under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) scheme and stated that the civic body does not have a direct role in the hospital’s billing practices or clinical decisions.