In a recent court ruling, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, a Memphis gynecologist facing a 23-count indictment for allegations including healthcare fraud and sexual and medical abuse, was granted permission to reopen his Poplar Avenue Clinic Women's Health & Med Spa, according to multiple reports. The decision comes with stringent conditions to mitigate concerns while legal proceedings continue. Notably, Dr. Kumar was indicted on charges ranging from the enticement to travel to engage in illegal sex acts to the misuse of medical devices.
Action News 5 detailed the restrictions set forth by the court, which include prohibitions against examining minors without court authorization, the use of only multi-use devices in examinations, and a requirement for a chaperone to be present during all of Dr. Kumar's patient exams. Moreover, Kumar must not reuse single-use scopes, and all referring doctors and new patients must be made aware of a third-party risk notification. The conditions reflect a balance between public need for his specialized services and the safety of patients.
Dr. Kumar, who pleaded not guilty to the federal charges on March 12, according to Local Memphis, claimed the public need for his gynecologic oncology and high-risk robotic pelvic surgery expertise warranted the reopening of his clinic. His legal team cited that he's among only 300 specialists nationwide equipped for such procedures. The motion to reopen also referenced a Tennessee Department of Health investigation, which reportedly found insufficient evidence to support the misuse and misbranding of medical equipment as alleged by the government.
Since his arrest, Kumar's clinic had been restricted to only managing medical records. His attorneys argued, as FOX13 Memphis reported, "if patients want to make a choice and come see Dr. Kumar that they have the ability to do so." Ronald Chapman, Kumar's attorney, expressed relief over the court's decision, emphasizing his client's dedication to aiding the community and his intent to continue providing services while addressing the allegations.
Authorities initially raided the Poplar Avenue Clinic almost a year before Kumar's arrest in April 2024, with over 200 individuals stepping forward after the indictment became public. The charges against Dr. Kumar involve serious accusations, including providing hysteroscopy procedures with reportedly improperly sterilized equipment. Hysteroscopic procedures—which Kumar is now barred from performing—are usually conducted using a sterile device known as a hysteroscope, but court records suggest Kumar reused the single-use devices countless times.
The conditions imposed on Kumar's practice may offer a temporary continuity of care for patients reliant on his specialized surgeries. However, for individuals concerned they may be victims of Dr. Kumar's alleged misconduct, the FBI has encouraged them to come forward, and victim support services are available through the Shelby County Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center.
