Dr. Mona Ghosh, a 52-year-old Indian-American gynecologist in Chicago, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a multi-million dollar healthcare fraud scheme that harmed her patients’ health and fertility.
Between 2018 and 2022, Ghosh orchestrated a scheme involving false diagnoses, unnecessary procedures, and fraudulent billing, pocketing over $2.4 million. The court has ordered her to pay $1.5 million in restitution, and she faces civil lawsuits from affected patients.
Operating Progressive Women’s Healthcare in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Ghosh built a reputation as a trusted OB-GYN. However, investigations revealed a disturbing pattern: Ghosh misdiagnosed patients with serious conditions, pressuring them into unnecessary procedures. Many treatments were performed without proper consent, resulting in lasting physical and emotional trauma, with some women losing their fertility.
Former patient Socorro Urbano, part of a civil lawsuit against Ghosh, stated, “She has altered lives indefinitely; it’s something you can’t take back.” U.S. District Judge Franklin Valderrama condemned Ghosh’s actions, stating, “You irrevocably harmed women who put their trust in you.” Ghosh’s medical license has been permanently revoked, and she is required to report to prison in September 2025. Federal prosecutors uncovered Ghosh’s elaborate scheme to defraud federal health programs and private insurers. She directed her staff to falsify patient records and inflate insurance claims, resulting in over $2.4 million in illicit gains. The trauma inflicted on patients was a key factor in the severity of Ghosh’s sentence, with nearly 100 former patients pursuing civil lawsuits seeking compensation.
The case highlights the need for stronger oversight of medical practices and mechanisms for patients to report malpractice. It serves as a reminder of the sacred trust between doctors and patients and the devastating consequences when that trust is violated. The case underscores the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, better patient education, and a healthcare culture rooted in empathy and accountability.
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