Healthcare Fraud – Fake FMGE Certificate Racket Exposed in Rajasthan Investigation
Healthcare Fraud – Rajasthan Police have uncovered a major fraud network that allegedly enabled unqualified individuals to practice medicine by issuing forged Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) certificates. Officials confirmed that 23 people have been arrested so far in connection with the case, which involved charging candidates between ₹20 lakh and ₹25 lakh for fake certification.
Fake Certification Network Comes to Light
According to investigators, the racket primarily targeted individuals who had obtained medical degrees from foreign institutions but failed to clear the FMGE, a mandatory screening test required to practice in India. Instead of retaking the exam, these candidates allegedly resorted to purchasing forged certificates through the network.
Police revealed that the accused not only created fake FMGE documents but also facilitated the entire registration process, allowing candidates to begin internships and eventually practice as licensed doctors.
Dozens of Fraudulent Registrations Identified
The investigation has so far identified at least 93 individuals who were able to secure medical registration using forged documents. Authorities believe the number could increase as the probe continues.
Many of these individuals had already begun internships or were actively working in medical roles, raising serious concerns about patient safety and the integrity of the healthcare system.
Officials Under Scrutiny
The case took a significant turn when investigators found alleged lapses involving officials within the Rajasthan Medical Council (RMC). Former registrar Dr Ajay Sharma and nodal officer Akhilesh Mathur are suspected of playing key roles, either through direct involvement or failure to properly verify submitted documents.
Senior police officials stated that the lack of thorough verification procedures allowed fake certificates to pass through official channels without detection.
Arrest Leads to Larger Breakthrough
The investigation gained momentum after authorities arrested an individual identified as Piyush Trivedi, who was reportedly undergoing an internship in Karauli using a forged FMGE certificate. His arrest helped police trace other members of the network.
Subsequent operations led to the identification and arrest of additional suspects, including Devendra, Shubham, and Bhanaram. Police have described Bhanaram as the main operator behind the scheme. He had reportedly completed his medical education in Kazakhstan and frequently changed locations to avoid detection. He was recently apprehended at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Organized Operation with Financial Motive
Officials believe the network operated in a highly organized manner, exploiting loopholes in verification systems and leveraging connections to facilitate illegal registrations. Candidates willing to pay large sums were guided through the process, effectively bypassing mandatory checks designed to ensure competence.
Authorities emphasized that the operation was driven by financial gain, with middlemen acting as key facilitators between candidates and those producing forged documents.
Ongoing Investigation and Wider Implications
Police have indicated that further arrests are likely as the investigation continues. Authorities are also reviewing past registrations to identify additional cases of fraud.
The incident has raised serious questions about regulatory oversight in medical licensing and highlighted the need for stricter verification mechanisms. Officials have assured that steps will be taken to prevent such breaches in the future and to safeguard public health