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Amritsar, Punjab:
A major controversy has erupted in Punjab’s medical community after the Punjab Medical Council (PMC) restored the licence of Dr Parveen Devgan, a surgeon who continued to practice even while his registration was under suspension. This decision comes despite the PMC itself having previously urged police action against Dr Devgan for practicing during his suspension-a move considered illegal under the Punjab Medical Registration Act and the National Commission Act.
Background: Suspension and Allegations
Dr Parveen Devgan’s troubles began after the death of Sunita Aneja, who underwent a laparoscopic hysterectomy performed by him in October 2018. Her husband, Gokul Aneja, accused Dr Devgan of medical negligence. Following an ethics committee review, the PMC’s general body unanimously found in July 2023 that Dr Devgan had “failed to demonstrate due skill and care towards patients.”
On December 21, 2023, the PMC suspended Dr Devgan’s registration for six months and barred him from practicing. The council’s order also stipulated that Dr Devgan must submit a root cause analysis of the patient deaths, conducted by a higher institute, and obtain a certificate of training in laparoscopic hysterectomy from a recognized institute before resuming practice.
Practicing During Suspension
Despite the suspension, Dr Devgan allegedly continued to perform surgeries. On April 5, 2024, the civil surgeon of Amritsar inspected his hospital and confirmed he was operating on patients. This prompted the PMC to file a complaint with the police, citing illegal practice.
Further complicating matters, when Dr Devgan applied for training at Fortis Hospital, Noida, the hospital declined, stating that as a general surgeon, he lacked the required postgraduate qualification in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, making it “unethical and unlawful” for him to perform gynecological procedures.
Licence Restored Amid Unanswered Questions
In December 2024, the PMC restored Dr Devgan’s licence, referencing a Punjab and Haryana High Court order from November 2024. However, records show the court had not ordered the restoration; Dr Devgan had withdrawn his petition, and the court had not ruled on the merits of his suspension.
A subsequent PMC order dated April 25, 2025, claimed the decision to restore the licence was made in a general body meeting on September 25, 2024, after Dr Devgan applied at the end of his six-month suspension. However, critics, including the complainant Gokul Aneja, question how the PMC could restore the licence while Dr Devgan’s legal challenge was still pending and without clear evidence that he had met the council’s stipulated conditions.
Regulatory Silence
The National Medical Commission (NMC), India’s apex medical regulator, has so far refused to intervene in the patient’s complaint regarding PMC’s decision. The PMC has also declined to disclose whether Dr Devgan fulfilled the required conditions for reinstatement.
Public Outcry
The case has raised serious concerns about regulatory oversight, professional accountability, and patient safety in Punjab’s healthcare system. Critics argue that the lack of transparency and enforcement undermines public trust in medical governance.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information as reported by ET HealthWorld and other sources. The facts and allegations described are subject to ongoing investigations and legal proceedings. The individuals and organizations mentioned are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. For more details, please refer to the original article.
