The Aryavarth Express
Bengaluru: A storm of serious allegations has engulfed Sri Paripurna Sanatana Ayurveda Medical College, an institution affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences and regulated by National Commission for Indian System of Medicine, raising troubling questions about oversight, patient safety, and regulatory accountability.
An investigation by Aryavarth Express has uncovered what appears to be a deeply entrenched system of irregularities — from “ghost doctors” listed only on paper to questionable qualifications of the institution’s chairman, A V Srinivasan, who allegedly presents himself as a “Professor” and “doctor” without possessing any verifiable, government-recognised medical degree.
According to findings, Srinivasan claims expertise as a “marma doctor,” yet lacks any authorised certification from recognised statutory bodies. Documents reviewed suggest that the degrees he holds are honorary in nature, issued by obscure or unverifiable institutions. When attempts were made to contact these universities, they were found to be “virtual entities” — with no physical address, no functioning communication channels, and no regulatory standing. Some of these institutions are reportedly already under legal scrutiny.
The situation takes a more alarming turn with revelations that Srinivasan was recently addressed as an “Ayush Commissioner” by the Embassy of the Republic of Chad in India — a designation he does not officially hold in either the central or state government. This raises a critical question: what credentials or documents were presented to a foreign diplomatic mission to warrant such recognition?
Inside the college and its attached hospital, the picture appears equally grim. Staff members, speaking on condition of anonymity, allege that while records show a full roster of doctors, the reality on the ground is starkly different. Patient inflow is reportedly negligible — “barely two to three a day” — and even those cases are tightly controlled by the chairman himself. Doctors who attend to patients are allegedly required to report back directly to him.
More disturbing are claims that Srinivasan has extended his activities beyond the campus. He is said to have interacted with personnel of the Border Security Force, even undertaking treatment of jawans despite lacking recognised credentials — a development that, if verified, could have serious national implications.
Financial irregularities also form a key part of the allegations. While the trust running the institution reportedly claims sustained losses, former staff and insiders suggest otherwise. They allege that the hospital operates profitably but is deliberately shown as loss-making to avoid regulatory scrutiny and maintain a steady flow of donations. There are also claims that funds received in the name of charity and possible foreign contributions are being diverted for personal use.
The working environment within the institution has been described as “toxic and abusive.” Employees allege routine verbal misconduct, lack of professional respect, and a climate of fear. “Working here is a horrible experience, but many of us have no choice,” said one staff member, adding that several employees are waiting for an opportunity to leave.
Complaints have reportedly been filed with both Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences and National Commission for Indian System of Medicine, urging immediate inspection and strict action. However, the absence of visible enforcement so far has only deepened concerns.
At its core, the controversy raises a fundamental and unsettling question: how can an institution allegedly operating with fake credentials, ghost faculty, and questionable financial practices continue under the watch of regulatory authorities?
The issue is no longer confined to one college. It strikes at the credibility of medical education, the safety of patients, and the integrity of institutions tasked with safeguarding public health. Until a thorough and transparent investigation is undertaken, the shadow over this institution — and those responsible for regulating it — will only grow darker.
