Neil K Anand Faces Up to 130 Years in Prison for Healthcare and Drug Conspiracy Charges
In a significant legal development from the United States, a US federal jury convicted Indian-origin doctor Neil K Anand, 48, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, for orchestrating multiple healthcare fraud schemes. The jury found Anand guilty of conspiring to submit fraudulent claims to prominent federal and private insurance providers, including Medicare, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Independence Blue Cross (IBC), and Anthem.
‘Goody Bags’ and Forced Prescriptions
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that Anand and his co-conspirators ran a scheme involving “Goody Bags” — pre-packaged prescription medications that Anand’s in-house pharmacies dispensed. Evidence presented at the trial showed that Anand and his team coerced patients into accepting these unwanted and unnecessary medications as a condition for receiving prescriptions for controlled substances.
These fraudulent claims resulted in insurance payouts totaling over $2.3 million. Prosecutors revealed that Anand’s operation prioritized profits over patient care, exploiting federal health programs meant for vulnerable individuals.
Illegal Drug Distribution and Fake Prescriptions
The court also found that Anand conspired to distribute oxycodone — a powerful and addictive opioid — outside the legitimate course of medical practice. Testimonies during the trial revealed that unlicensed medical interns used blank prescriptions pre-signed by Anand to distribute the drugs.
As part of the scheme, Anand prescribed 20,850 oxycodone tablets to just nine patients, raising serious concerns about drug abuse and diversion.
Attempt to Conceal Criminal Proceeds
After learning about the federal investigation, Anand transferred approximately $1.2 million into a bank account in his father’s name, which he claimed was set up for his minor daughter, in an attempt to hide the illicit gains his act formed the basis for money laundering and unlawful monetary transaction charges.
Charges and Sentencing
Dr. Anand has been convicted on multiple serious charges, including:
- Conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud
- Three counts of healthcare fraud
- One count of money laundering
- Four counts of unlawful monetary transactions
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
The court has scheduled his sentencing for August 19, and he faces a statutory maximum penalty of 130 years in prison.
This case has highlighted the alarming misuse of medical authority and public trust in the healthcare system. Authorities in the US continue to crack down on such fraudulent medical practices that compromise public health and drain critical resources.
