BMC cracks down on unregistered doctors after ICU scandal exposes flaws

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken steps to verify the credentials of doctors working in its hospitals. This follows concerns over Dr. Bharat Sawant, an MBBS graduate from Russia, who worked in the ICU of V.N. Desai Hospital without proper registration. The issue was raised by opposition leaders during a recent BMC meeting. Dr. Bharat Sawant worked in the ICU of V.N. Desai Hospital despite not being registered with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC). His employment came under scrutiny after Leader of the Opposition Kishori Pednekar and Congress group leader Ashraf Azmi highlighted the problem of unregistered doctors in BMC hospitals. Ashraf Azmi also claimed that Dr. Sawant continued to receive a salary of around Rs 2.5 lakh even after being barred from the hospital.

In response, the BMC administration directed hospital deans and medical superintendents to re-verify the degrees and credentials of all doctors in municipal hospitals. The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) also issued a notice to the Municipal Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone VIII), seeking details of the action taken against Dr. Sawant.

The BMC has since taken over ICU doctor services, which were previously outsourced. Sai Sanjeevani Polyclinic and Nursing Home, the contractor responsible for supplying doctors, was blacklisted in 2024 after the issue emerged. Former Health Committee Chairperson Dr. Archana Bhalerao urged the BMC to tighten verification processes for foreign medical graduates. The BMC has now implemented stricter checks to prevent unqualified doctors from practising in its hospitals. The blacklisting of the contractor and the direct operation of ICU services aim to ensure compliance with medical regulations. The SHRC continues to monitor the case for further action.