Pune Doctor Faces Medical License Revocation After Evidence of Fraud and Unethical Practices
Pune Doctor Faces Medical License Revocation After Evidence of Fraud and Unethical Practices
Following recent disciplinary actions against two doctors in the state for fraudulently obtaining MBBS degrees, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has now imposed strict measures on a doctor from Pune as well. Dr. Sireesha Mohan’s medical registration has been canceled, as announced by the MMC on December 27. She was found guilty of engaging in insurance fraud and continuing to sign pathology reports even after serving a six-month suspension, which is considered ethically unacceptable.
In a statement, Dr. Vinky Rughwani, president of the MMC, explained, “The action was taken to maintain medical ethics.” He added, “We have revoked Dr. Sireesha Mohan’s registration for three years and have notified the National Medical Commission (NMC) and other health officials in the state. She is prohibited from practicing medicine. If she is found doing so, we will pursue criminal action against her as per our directives.”
The decision to impose a three-year penalty on the doctor came after allegations made by members of the pathology association, who accused Dr. Mohan of malpractice and insurance fraud. These allegations were presented by the Maharashtra Association of Practicing Pathologists and Microbiologists (MAPPM). Dr. Rughwani, while sharing the details and the cancellation order, mentioned that Mohan had previously received a six-month suspension but did not comply with council directives or address the charges. This non-compliance led to the necessity of taking strict action against her.
Dr. Sundeep Yadav, the state president of MAPPM, provided further context regarding the allegations, stating that they date back to 2019 when Dr. Prasad Kulkarni, a member of MAPPM, filed a formal complaint against Mohan. Kulkarni, with assistance from a private insurance fraud detection agency, discovered illegal activities linked to Mohan, including her involvement in fraudulent practices. The investigation revealed that she was affiliated with multiple pathology laboratories in various locations, some of which were far from her residence in Pune.
Kulkarni highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “She was found to operate across multiple laboratories, and to do so daily is nearly impossible.” He also mentioned that her name and signature were allegedly used regularly on insurance claim reports, raising significant concerns about her professional ethics.
Despite the complaints and multiple notices from the MMC in 2019 and 2020, Dr. Mohan consistently failed to respond or attend hearings. Due to the severity of the case, her medical license was initially suspended in December 2020. However, further inquiries in 2021 uncovered more evidence against her, resulting in a six-month removal of her registration.
Kulkarni added, “Later, in 2023, we found out that even after being suspended or penalized, Mohan continued to sign pathology reports, which was ethically unacceptable.”
Given her disregard for council directives and her failure to renew her registration since 2012, the MMC felt compelled to take strict action. Rughwani concluded by stating, “With this action, we aim to send a clear message that unethical practices and non-compliance with regulations will not be tolerated by any doctor in the state.”
