THE SCALPEL AND THE SCAM
When the Operating Theatre Becomes a Business Center: The Betrayal of India’s Patients
A shocking 2026 report has exposed a dark reality in Indian healthcare: nearly 44% of surgeries performed in the country are unnecessary, fraudulent, or conducted purely for profit. What should be a life-saving sanctuary has, in many cases, turned into a high-stakes revenue generator where patient bodies are treated as commodities.
1. The Numbers of Betrayal
The scale of this "medical mafia" is staggering. Investigations indicate that almost half of all major procedures are performed without any genuine medical need.
Heart Surgeries: A massive 55% of cardiac procedures are found to be unnecessary upon second opinion.
Hysterectomies: Around 48% of uterus removals are performed needlessly, often on young women under 40.
Cancer Surgeries: Nearly 47% of cancer-related operations are flagged as potentially fraudulent or unnecessary.
Other Procedures: Joint replacements (48%), C-sections (45%), and spine surgeries (48%) show similar patterns of abuse.
2. Story: The Insurance Mirage at Galaxy One
The quest for profit has led some institutions to abandon medicine entirely. In February 2026, authorities raided Galaxy One Hospital in Gurgaon, uncovering a massive insurance racket.
The hospital didn't just perform unnecessary surgeries , it invented them. They created "ghost admissions" where people were admitted on paper only, forged lab reports, and even hired unqualified people to act as "bogus doctors". They siphoned over ₹1 crore from nearly 25 insurance companies by splitting the fraudulent payouts with "fake patients".
3. Story: The Cost of a "Botched" Hysterectomy
For many, the scam is not just financial , it is deeply personal and physical. In states like Bihar, hundreds of women have lost their wombs to unnecessary surgeries under central schemes.
In one investigation, it was found that 702 women underwent "barbaric" and unwarranted hysterectomies. Many were under the age of 40 and suffered severe physical and psychological shock. While the state ordered compensation , ₹2.5 lakh for those under 40 , activists point out that money cannot replace a lost womb or heal the trauma of a needless operation.
4. The "Revenue" Pressure on Doctors
Why is this happening? The answer lies in the corporate structure of modern hospitals. In some elite institutions, senior doctors are reportedly paid salaries as high as ₹11 crore per month, but these salaries are often linked to "targets". Doctors who push for more tests, more admissions, and more surgeries , even when not needed , are rewarded with massive incentives.
In one tragic case in Gujarat, two patients died after a botched angioplasty. An inquiry found the surgeries were planned even though the arterial blockage was insufficient and did not warrant stents; the hospital simply wanted to pocket the insurance money.
5. Administrative Silence and Systemic Failures
The system's oversight remains weak, allowing these scams to thrive.
Fake Credentials: Cases have emerged where "doctors" with no qualifications performed surgeries, such as a "Munna Bhai MBBS" who performed over 50 C-sections before being arrested mid-operation.
Hospital Malpractice: In Delhi, the Agarwal Medical Centre was investigated after seven patients died due to alleged negligence; the "surgeon" reportedly used non-qualified staff, including his wife and a lab technician, to perform surgeries.
Exploitation of Deceased: Even more horrifying, reports have surfaced of deceased patients being kept on ventilators for days just to keep the billing cycle running.
🚨 Current Reality: The Trust Deficit
The "Scalpel and Scam" investigation reveals a healthcare system that frequently prioritizes profit over "Do No Harm". Patients are now advised to always seek a second opinion—especially for heart and orthopedic procedures—as studies show a second look can prevent nearly half of all advised surgeries.
Would you like more information on:
Tips on how to verify a doctor's credentials before surgery
More details on the specific laws and punishments for medical fraud in India
HOW TO VERIFY: A Patient’s Guide to Avoiding the "Scalpel Scam"
As an author and advocate for patient rights, it is crucial to share that you don't have to be a helpless victim of medical fraud. Verifying a surgeon's credentials and the necessity of a procedure is your right. Here are the practical steps and tough questions every Indian patient must use to protect themselves.
1. The Digital Background Check
Never take a doctor's word at face value; use the official government portals to verify their identity.
The National Medical Register (NMR): Visit the official National Medical Commission (NMC) website at
nmc.org.in. Navigate to the "Information Desk" and select the "Indian Medical Register".Search Criteria: You can search by the doctor’s full name, registration number, or year of registration.
What to Look For: The registry will confirm their full registered name, every degree earned (MBBS, MD, MCh, etc.), and which State Medical Council issued their license.
Match the Specialty: Ensure the doctor's sub-specialty (like MCh for surgery or DM for cardiology) specifically matches your procedure. A general registration does not guarantee expertise in a complex surgery.
2. The "Must-Ask" Questions Before Saying Yes
If a surgery is recommended, put the surgeon on the spot with these specific questions. A genuine surgeon will answer openly; a fraudulent one may get defensive.
"Why is this surgery necessary now?" Ask if non-surgical alternatives (medication, lifestyle changes, or therapy) have been fully exhausted.
"What happens if I don't have this surgery today?" Understand the risks of waiting. If it’s not an emergency, you have time for a second opinion.
"How many times have you performed this exact procedure this year?" Specializations like minimally invasive heart surgery (MICS) require high skill; frequency of practice matters more than fancy hospital machines.
"Can I speak with a former patient?" A reputable surgeon should be willing to connect you with others who have undergone the same surgery under their care.
3. The Power of the Second Opinion
In India, it is entirely okay - and often necessary - to seek a second opinion before any planned surgery.
Verify Diagnostic Proof: Surgery should be supported by clear diagnostic tests (lab results or imaging).
Compare the Reasoning: If two different surgeons give completely different reasons for a procedure, it is a major red flag.
Pre-Anesthesia Checkup (PAC): Ensure you meet the actual anesthetist for a checkup before the day of surgery to discuss risks and your medical history.
4. Red Flags to Watch For
Aggressive Timelines: If a hospital pushes you to undergo a "now or never" elective surgery (like a hysterectomy or joint replacement) without a medical emergency, be suspicious.
Unlabeled Staff: Always check if the medical team in the room introduces themselves with their names and specific roles.
Vague Costing: Demand a transparent, approximate cost for the surgery, hospital stay, and drugs upfront.
✅ Summary Checklist for Patients
Verify on the NMC website (
nmc.org.in).Confirm the doctor’s specific sub-specialty matches your surgery.
Ask about non-surgical alternatives.
Seek a second opinion from a different hospital chain.
Read the consent form carefully and ensure your provisional diagnosis is documented.
- Parikshit Sachdeva