Srinagar, Oct 6: The J&K Government today revoked the suspension of Dr Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah, Associate Professor of Cardiology at Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu. The cardiologist, who faced a scathing media trial here has been reinstated with immediate effect to GMC Jammu.
The order comes nearly four months after Dr Shah was suspended amid allegations concerning cardiac procedures and reimbursement claims under the PMJAY-SEHAT health insurance scheme.
Dr Shah was placed under suspension on June 20, 2026, while he was deputed to GMC Anantnag. The suspension was made due to pending departmental inquiry into allegations related to cardiac procedures and claims submitted under “Golden Card”.
The case had received considerable media attention and vile allegations were made in sections of media, especially on social media portals. While the State Health Agency had sought clarity on 103 cases cardiac procedures that had been performed at GMC Anantnag. These procedures had allegedly been performed and uploaded under a different pacemaker package.
The media trials painted a different and vitriolic story.
In his defence, Dr Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah had denied the allegations and maintained that the Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) procedures were an advanced cardiac pacing technique being used internationally. These, he said, had been performed based on clinical indications. He disputed the suggestion that the procedures were unnecessary merely on the basis of patients’ test results, saying that decisions regarding cardiac interventions involve multiple clinical factors.
He had also denied bypassing the government supply chain, stating that the required material was procured through the government-run Amrit store. Dr Shah had further maintained that the procedures were conducted free of cost and under the cashless PMJAY-SEHAT scheme. Any exceptional patient expenditure relating to purchases made through the authorised system. He had said he had submitted documentary evidence in response to every allegation and expressed confidence that the matter would be decided on the basis of the complete record.
According to Government Order No. 737-JK(HME) of 2026, dated October 6, the decision was taken on the recommendations of the Suspension Review Committee. Dr Shah has been directed to report for duty forthwith at his original place of posting, Government Medical College, Jammu.
The government’s latest order revokes the suspension while the related administrative process is dealt with separately in accordance with the applicable service rules.
The order also states that the period of suspension will be decided separately after completion of the proceedings.
Dr Shah’s reinstatement allows him to resume his professional duties at GMC Jammu with immediate effect.
