Delhi, 25th October, 2025 - A recent incident at a South Extension–based clinic in New Delhi has highlighted growing concerns about security in private medical practices.
Dr. Shubham Roy, Consultant in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and Director of Shining Stars CDC, shared her experience on LinkedIn to caution fellow medical professionals about a theft that occurred during her outpatient consultations on 24 October.
According to Dr. Roy’s detailed account, two women visited her clinic on the evening of 24th October accompanied by an infant and a six-year-old child. They requested a medical consultation for the child and asked for a fee waiver, citing financial difficulties. Out of compassion, Dr. Roy waived the consultation charges and began the examination.
While she was attending to the child, one of the women reportedly stood behind her, while the other woman kept talking to her. After receiving the prescription, both women quietly left. Roughly 10–15 minutes later, Dr. Roy realized that her handbag was missing. The bag contained not only cash but also critical identification documents, including her passport, PAN card, and multiple debit and credit cards.
MedBound Times connected with Dr. Shubham Roy to inquire about the incident, and she added, "One of the women involved just kept talking so that my attention was diverted, and the other one could escape without getting noticed."
Subsequent inquiries revealed that the two women were allegedly part of a larger group of around five individuals waiting outside the clinic. The organized nature of the act has raised concerns that similar gangs might be operating in the city, specifically targeting small healthcare setups where security measures are often limited.
This is not the first time incidents of theft and fraud targeting doctors and clinics have been reported. With outpatient departments often open to walk-in patients in India and limited staff presence during late hours, both private practitioners and those in the government sector are increasingly vulnerable.
Recent incidents of violence against doctors also showcase a concerning trend.
In this particular incident, exploiting the compassion of a doctor led to growing mistrust in the healthcare sector. The fraternity has requested immediate action by the Delhi Police.
According to police records and media reports, several such incidents have been documented in Delhi and neighboring regions, where imposters posing as patients or attendants stole valuables, mobile phones, or clinic equipment.
In her public post, Dr. Roy expressed disappointment at the breach of trust but urged colleagues to treat the event as a lesson in awareness rather than fear. She reiterated that most doctors extend help to those in need, but caution should accompany compassion in an era where opportunistic crimes are on the rise.
She encouraged fellow practitioners to share the message within medical groups and networks to prevent others from facing similar situations. Her post has since garnered significant engagement from healthcare professionals nationwide, many of whom have shared comparable experiences or pledged to adopt additional security measures.
(Rh/TL/MSM)
