IndiaPost.com - Indian American doc in malpractice scandal

NEW YORK: An Indian American doctor based in Las Vegas, Nevada is caught in what might turn out to be the biggest medical malpractice scandal in the country in recent times.

Dr Dipak K. Desai owned and operated the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada Las Vegas clinic. Officials from the Southern Nevada Health District said that Desai told his office staff to reuse syringes and medical vials in his clinics over the last four years, exposing more than 40,000 people to hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV.

Six cases of hepatitis have already been confirmed. The Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners announced March 7 that Dr Desai has voluntarily agreed to stop practicing medicine, at the board's request until the board's investigation into the operations and allegations concerning the center has been completed, according to the Las Vegas Sun.

In a statement issued through his attorney on March 10, Dr Desai said, "As a longtime resident of Southern Nevada, I share our community's sorrow and concern for those who have been affected by this situation.

I understand that many have questions about the allegations which have been levied against me and the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada. While I wish I were allowed to answer those questions, I am unfortunately unable to do so at this time on the advice of legal counsel.

These unfounded allegations will be addressed in a court of law, when facts have been presented and substantiated. I look forward to that day, when I will be afforded the right to due process to which we are all entitled as Americans."

Dr Desai, who has been practicing medicine in Nevada for 28 years, is an alumnus of Gujarat University and later did his medical residency at the Catholic Medical Center in New York.

He is said to be an influential political fixer in Nevada, having made financial contributions to the election campaigns of President George W. Bush and former vice-president Al Gore, among others.

After Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons won the election in 2006, Dr Desai was made a member of his transition team. He also served on the governor's health care working group.

Ironically, Dr Desai was a member of this board which investigates allegations against doctors. He also served as chairman of the board's investigative committee.