Sanjeev Kumar, a 44-year-old gynecologist, has been charged with multiple offenses, including sexual abuse, medical fraud, and the illicit reuse of unsanitary medical devices. The charges stem from allegations that he enticed four women to travel across state lines to his Poplar Avenue Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, where he subjected them to sexual abuse under the guise of medical procedures.
According to the indictment, Kumar's actions took place between 2019 and 2024. He allegedly performed unnecessary gynecologic procedures while using medical devices that were not only unsanitary but also improperly reused. Some of these devices were intended for single use or required sterilization before they could be safely employed in medical procedures. Kumar misled his patients by billing federal Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs for hysteroscopy biopsy services, falsely claiming the treatments were medically necessary.
Kumar purportedly reassured patients that he used new or properly sterilized equipment during procedures. However, investigations revealed he failed to inform them about his practice of reusing unsanitary medical devices. This betrayal of trust put his patients at risk for serious harm, including the potential transmission of infectious diseases.
Joseph E. Carrico, a special agent in charge of the FBI's Nashville field office, expressed concern that there may be additional victims of Kumar’s alleged misconduct. He emphasized the importance of support for those affected, stating, “It is important to remember nothing Dr. Kumar has done was, or ever will be, your fault.”
The alleged predatory behavior exhibited by Kumar raises significant concerns about the vulnerability of patients in medical settings. Acting US attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, Reagan Fondren, characterized Kumar's actions as a "betrayal of the trust that patients place in their healthcare providers." Fondren further elaborated that the allegations indicate Kumar acted as a predator in a white coat, misusing his position to exploit patients for personal gain.
The hysteroscopy procedure, central to many of the allegations against Kumar, involves inserting a thin, lighted tube through the vagina and cervix into the uterus for examination purposes. It is meant to provide critical insights into women's reproductive health. However, Kumar's reported misuse of this procedure highlights a disturbing trend within the medical community involving physicians accused of violating patients at their most vulnerable moments.