More than 600 women have united in a significant legal action against Chesapeake Regional Medical Center (CRMC), alleging that they were subjected to unnecessary surgeries performed by former obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Javaid Perwaiz. The lawsuit accuses the hospital and its executives of enabling Perwaiz to conduct medically unjustified procedures, leading to severe consequences for many patients.
The case has drawn increasing attention since its inception. Among the latest claimants is Kimberly Riddick, who recounted her experience of being misled into believing that surgical intervention was essential for her fertility. Riddick, 35, was told by Perwaiz that cysts on her ovaries were repeatedly impeding her ability to conceive. Over three years, she underwent multiple surgeries, only to later discover through a second opinion that these procedures were unnecessary. “We put our trust in him and he betrayed our trust,” Riddick expressed, highlighting the emotional toll of her experience.
As of now, the lawsuit includes 94 women who have joined the initial group of 510 plaintiffs, all seeking $10 million in damages each. They allege that Perwaiz’s actions led to permanent sterilization for many and significant health complications. The legal representatives for the plaintiffs, Anthony DiPietro and Victoria Wickman, assert that CRMC’s administration was aware of Perwaiz’s troubling practices but failed to act decisively against him.
Allegations of Malpractice and Institutional Complicity
The lawsuit claims that CRMC has been aware of Perwaiz’s conduct since the 1980s but continued to grant him privileges to operate. DiPietro stated, “Individual doctors aren’t acting alone. It takes an entire institution to cover up abuse.” The allegations extend to the hospital’s administration, which is accused of being complicit in the malpractice by not intervening despite numerous complaints.
According to the lawsuit, Perwaiz has a documented history of fraud, having been convicted in 2021 for defrauding health insurance programs of over $20.3 million. This included performing unnecessary hysterectomies and inducing early deliveries for personal scheduling convenience, resulting in premature births that required extensive neonatal care. The phenomenon was so prevalent that it gained the nickname “the Perwaiz special” in CRMC’s neonatal unit.
Patients reportedly were often uninformed about the nature of their surgeries, with some claiming they were misled into consenting to procedures under false pretenses. The lawsuit details instances where nurses observed Perwaiz altering consent forms while patients were under anesthesia.
Legal Ramifications and Ongoing Investigations
The repercussions for CRMC are escalating. In January 2025, the hospital was federally indicted on multiple charges related to healthcare fraud and conspiracy, specifically concerning the granting of surgical privileges to Perwaiz. The indictment reveals that CRMC allowed Perwaiz to misclassify inpatient surgeries as outpatient procedures, thus evading necessary scrutiny.
In response, the Chesapeake Hospital Authority has filed motions to dismiss the indictment, citing grounds of sovereign immunity and arguing that the Authority itself is not named in the indictment. The ongoing legal battle is set to continue in the Eastern District Court, with the case now being appealed to the Fourth U.S. Circuit Appeals Court.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the affected women remain resolute in their quest for justice. The lawsuit not only seeks financial compensation but also aims to bring to light the systemic failures that allowed such practices to occur over decades at CRMC.
