BASTI, Uttar Pradesh | A private hospital and associated medical practitioners in Uttar Pradesh’s Basti district are facing serious allegations of medical negligence, professional misconduct, and possible fraud after a newborn was allegedly kept hospitalised for 16 days on the claim that the child had two holes in the heart. A preliminary inquiry conducted by a Circle Officer (CO) has reportedly found several allegations to be prima facie substantiated, turning the case into a matter of significant public concern.
The controversy stems from a complaint filed by Mohammad Imran, a resident of Gidahi Khurd village under the Purani Basti police station area. In his complaint to senior authorities, Imran alleged that gross irregularities occurred during the treatment of his daughter-in-law Tamanna Khatoon’s newborn child. The complaint triggered an official inquiry that has since raised serious questions about transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in private healthcare institutions.
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According to the inquiry report, the operator of Life Line Hospital, Dr. Tariq Ehsan, is accused of informing the family that the newborn suffered from two holes in the heart and required specialised medical attention. The complainant alleged that the family was led to believe that the child was in a critical condition, resulting in considerable emotional distress and anxiety. Based on that diagnosis, the newborn was reportedly admitted and kept under treatment for more than two weeks.
Family members have claimed that they were not provided adequate clarity regarding the medical necessity of such prolonged hospitalisation. They further alleged that the diagnosis presented to them created fear and compelled them to continue treatment under circumstances they later began to question.
The CO’s report also highlights concerns regarding certain treatment procedures allegedly carried out during the child’s stay at the hospital. According to the findings, some of the methods used during treatment have raised questions about adherence to accepted medical standards. Investigators indicated that these issues warrant closer examination to determine whether professional misconduct or medical negligence occurred.
The case took a significant turn when the family decided to seek further evaluation at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences in Lucknow. Medical examinations conducted there reportedly did not find evidence of the serious cardiac abnormalities that had earlier been communicated to the family. The absence of confirmation regarding the alleged heart defects prompted relatives to question both the diagnosis and the treatment provided by the private hospital.
Subsequently, the family approached administrative authorities and sought an independent review of the medical records and treatment history.
During the inquiry, another concern reportedly emerged regarding a separate 2-D diagnostic report issued by another healthcare facility. Preliminary scrutiny by health authorities is said to have raised questions about the reliability and accuracy of that report as well. In addition, the role of another doctor has come under examination, with health officials reportedly verifying professional qualifications and related documentation as part of the broader investigation.
The CO’s findings indicate that allegations of professional misconduct, medical negligence, and possible criminal deception against Dr. Tariq Ehsan and certain associates appear credible at the preliminary stage. However, authorities have emphasised that no final conclusions have yet been reached.
To establish the medical facts conclusively, the Chief Medical Officer has been requested to constitute an expert medical board. The board is expected to conduct a technical review of diagnostic records, treatment procedures, and other relevant evidence before issuing its findings. Any administrative or legal action is likely to depend significantly on the conclusions reached by that panel.
Meanwhile, Dr. Tariq Ehsan has denied the allegations. He stated that an earlier health department inquiry had not confirmed the accusations and maintained that all medical decisions were taken in accordance with established clinical procedures. He has also expressed willingness to cooperate with any further investigation conducted by government authorities or independent experts.
For now, health officials and local administrators continue to examine the matter in detail. The forthcoming medical board report is expected to determine whether the case involves an unfortunate medical error, professional negligence, or a more serious instance of alleged misdiagnosis and fraud involving the treatment of a newborn. The incident has once again reignited debate over patient rights, accountability, and quality control within private healthcare facilities.
