New York: An Indian-origin doctor in New Jersey has been charged with distributing drugs without a legitimate medical purpose to his patients in exchange for sexual favours, according to a press release issued by the US Attorney’s Office.
Ritesh Kalra, 51, of Secaucus, allegedly operated a “pill mill out of his medical office, where he routinely prescribed high-dose opioids—including oxycodone—and promethazine with codeine to patients,” said the press release issued by the US Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, on Friday.
“Physicians hold a position of profound responsibility—but as alleged, Dr Kalra used that position to fuel addiction, exploit vulnerable patients for sex, and defraud New Jersey’s public healthcare programme, ” US Attorney Alina Habba said in the release.
Further accusations include Dr. Kalra continuing to provide opioid prescriptions to a patient who was incarcerated and had no contact with him. He is also alleged to have billed for in-person visits and counselling sessions that never occurred, the US Attorney’s office further reported.
She emphasised that by exchanging prescriptions for sexual favours and billing Medicaid for “ghost appointments,” he not only violated the law but also endangered lives.
Habba concluded by asserting that their office will “continue to pursue those who turn their medical licenses into tools for personal gain and sexual gratification.”
“When we seek medical advice and treatment from doctors, we have to assume they have our best interests in mind. This investigation, conducted by the FBI and our partners, illustrates that Dr. Kalra had little regard for actually taking care of his patients. As alleged, he instead used them for his sexual gratification and, in the process, defrauded the state of New Jersey. A patient’s relationship and trust in a physician, while at their most vulnerable, is not something to be exploited for personal gain. We are asking anyone who may be a victim or knows someone who was treated by Dr. Kalra to get in touch with our office,” stated Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy.
If found guilty, Kalra could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count of illegal drug distribution and up to 10 years for each count of healthcare fraud. The penalties also include fines of up to $1 million for each drug-related charge and at least $250,000 for each fraud-related charge.