A Memphis gynecologist has been indicted on federal charges for sexually abusing patients, reusing medical devices in an unsanitary manner, and committing healthcare fraud, as per an announcement by Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren of the Western District of Tennessee. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, 44, faces allegations that include inducing patients to travel for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual activity, according to the press release by the Department of Justice published on Friday.
The indictment, which was unsealed, puts forth that from September 2019 to June 2024, Kumar leveraged his authority to perform unnecessary medical procedures, profiting from these invasive acts while compromising patient safety. Surrounded by the sterile walls of his clinic, Kumar allegedly reused "single use" medical devices without informing his patients, contravening the trust that is the foundation of the physician-patient relationship. While billing Medicare and Medicaid for medically necessary services, he grossly enriched himself, as Acting U.S. Attorney Fondren stated, "Kumar was consistently the top-paid provider in Tennessee for Medicare and Medicaid for hysteroscopy biopsy services, and he profited substantially from these criminal acts," according to the Department of Justice.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has urged potential victims to come forward. "The abusive behavior alleged here took place over five years, which means there could be many victims out there we have not heard from," said Joseph E. Carrico, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Nashville Field Office, imploring those affected to seek support and reminding them that the wrongs done by Dr. Kumar were not their fault: “We see time and time again that voices matter, and those who have stepped forward have empowered others to do the same," according to the Department of Justice. The FBI encourages anyone with relevant information to visit their website and complete a questionnaire aimed at assisting the ongoing federal investigation.
This case underscores the wider issue of abuse under the guise of medical professionalism. Along with FBI's involvement, investigations include efforts from the United States Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the United States Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). “Physicians have a sworn duty to prioritize the health and safety of their patients,” Kelly Blackmon, Special Agent in Charge at HHS-OIG, told the justice department through his distress at such a violation of medical ethics and the law, according to the Department of Justice.
Despite the severity of the crimes detailed in the indictment, it is important to remember that these charges are accusations and Dr. Kumar remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. His sentencing, if convicted, will be based upon the uniqueness of the case, including his criminal record, his role in the offenses, and the characteristics of the violations, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
