J&K authorities ordered an inquiry and suspended an interventional cardiologist SRINAGAR: J&K authorities ordered an inquiry and suspended an interventional cardiologist Saturday over allegations that he recorded 103 advanced pacemaker procedures under an Ayushman Bharat PMJAY category that did not cover them, allowing patients to claim govt insurance benefits.Dr Syed Maqbool, an associate professor at Govt Medical College in Anantnag allegedly recorded “left bundle branch area pacing” (LBBAP) procedures as dual-chamber pacemaker implantations under Ayushman Bharat, according to an internal health and medical education department report. It said medical college’s laboratory records showed patients underwent LBBAP, an advanced technique, rather than conventional dual-chamber pacemaker implantation.Govt cited a technical report attributed to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar, which said 27 of 55 patients had “normal ventricular function”, making surgery “completely unindicated.” Senior SKIMS officials distanced themselves from that assessment, saying administration had no role in preparing it. They said govt had privately sought opinions from cardiologists who are now retired.Maqbool rejected the allegations. “We replied to every allegation with documentary evidence. Matter is under consideration and we have full faith in the system,” he said. According to sources, Maqbool’s detailed rebuttal was not included in the report. The health secretary who ordered an inquiry did not respond to calls.The suspension has triggered a wider medical debate over LBBAP, a newer pacing technique that places a lead near the heart’s conduction system.Doctors said Maqbool selected LBBAP because it can offer better clinical outcomes than conventional dual-chamber pacing. They said Ayushman Bharat did not cover LBBAP, forcing doctors to use the dual-chamber category so patients could access insurance support.Under that arrangement, Ayushman Bharat covered part of the cost while patients paid private suppliers directly for specialised LBBAP hardware and equipment. Without it, patients would have had to bear the full cost, doctors said.Dr Khalil Kanjwal, a Michigan-based senior electrophysiologist, wrote on social media that LBBAP should be performed in all patients needing a dual-chamber pacemaker. “There are many benefits of this pacing and no harm compared to septal pacing,” he said. “I do these procedures routinely and all of our patients who come to my lab for a dual chamber pacemaker receive a left bundle pacemaker.”Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Shashi Tharoor Hears What PM Modi Does Not Say’: Congress Leader Khera Takes SwipeAkal Takht Releases Video Of Bhagwant Mann’s Appearance Before It Over Controversial VideoPM Modi Targets Cong, TMC, Left In Bengal: ‘When There Was Attempt To Make It Pakistan’s Part…’India’s Passport Ranking Improves, But How Strong Is It Really?’Atmanirbhar Navy’: PM Modi To Commission 3 Indigenous Naval Warships In Kolkata | Watch’Bring Back Pakistan To Grey List’: Owaisi To Modi Govt As India Gets FATF Vice PresidencyMaharashtra: 5 Dead, 17 Injured After Under-Construction Temple Roof Collapses In Parbhani’Candidate’s Own Login’: NTA Says Nagpur NEET Candidate Himself Selected Abu Dhabi As CentreNTA Gears Up For NEET Re-Test As Massive Security Exercise Takes Place Nationwide | WatchPM Modi Wishes President Murmu On Birthday, Joins Her In Odisha To Launch Development Projects123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by Michelle Obama: “Do not bring people into your life who…”The world’s longest-living people almost never do this: What scientists learned from studying centenarians across blue zonesThe scan may be clear, but the journey isn’t over: Doctors explain the untold reality of life after cancer5 Times Shah Rukh Khan proved he is a hands-on dadFather’s Day 2026: 10 quotes that sum up the love of dad7 Beautiful hanging plants that can instantly elevate your living roomPresident Droupadi Murmu loves this protein and fiber-rich vegetarian Odia dish; detailed recipe insideWhat happens when you soak dal for 30 minutes before cookingVitamin D supplements not working? 3 common mistakes people make, heart surgeon revealsTeenagers who feel close to their parents make safer choices: 7 activities parents can do with their teens to build deeper connection123Hot PicksNeeraj ChopraScotland Vs MoroccoBrazil Vs HaltiJIO IPOUddhav ThackerayAbhishek BanerjeeEknath ShindeSamanta BullockLondon Train TragedyTop TrendingBihar gang-rapeUS-Iran Peace DealStock Market LiveFIFA World Cup 2026What is Legacy BadgeBEST bus strikeAIIMS BSc Nursing Admit CardMHT CET PCM 2nd attempt resultsGold rate todayIndia-UK FTA
SRINAGAR: J&K authorities ordered an inquiry and suspended an interventional cardiologist Saturday over allegations that he recorded 103 advanced pacemaker procedures under an Ayushman Bharat PMJAY category that did not cover them, allowing patients to claim govt insurance benefits.Dr Syed Maqbool, an associate professor at Govt Medical College in Anantnag allegedly recorded “left bundle branch area pacing” (LBBAP) procedures as dual-chamber pacemaker implantations under Ayushman Bharat, according to an internal health and medical education department report. It said medical college’s laboratory records showed patients underwent LBBAP, an advanced technique, rather than conventional dual-chamber pacemaker implantation.Govt cited a technical report attributed to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar, which said 27 of 55 patients had “normal ventricular function”, making surgery “completely unindicated.” Senior SKIMS officials distanced themselves from that assessment, saying administration had no role in preparing it. They said govt had privately sought opinions from cardiologists who are now retired.Maqbool rejected the allegations. “We replied to every allegation with documentary evidence. Matter is under consideration and we have full faith in the system,” he said. According to sources, Maqbool’s detailed rebuttal was not included in the report. The health secretary who ordered an inquiry did not respond to calls.The suspension has triggered a wider medical debate over LBBAP, a newer pacing technique that places a lead near the heart’s conduction system.Doctors said Maqbool selected LBBAP because it can offer better clinical outcomes than conventional dual-chamber pacing. They said Ayushman Bharat did not cover LBBAP, forcing doctors to use the dual-chamber category so patients could access insurance support.Under that arrangement, Ayushman Bharat covered part of the cost while patients paid private suppliers directly for specialised LBBAP hardware and equipment. Without it, patients would have had to bear the full cost, doctors said.Dr Khalil Kanjwal, a Michigan-based senior electrophysiologist, wrote on social media that LBBAP should be performed in all patients needing a dual-chamber pacemaker. “There are many benefits of this pacing and no harm compared to septal pacing,” he said. “I do these procedures routinely and all of our patients who come to my lab for a dual chamber pacemaker receive a left bundle pacemaker.”
