Mosaraf Ali, known as ‘doctor to the stars’, faces lawsuit over negligence

Mosaraf Ali has received much praise for his particular combination of Eastern and more conventional forms of healthcare from his celebrity patients, which include Kate Moss and the Duchess of Cornwall. But ‘the doctor to the stars’ now faces a lawsuit from a patient whose legs had to be amputated after he was treated in Ali’s clinic. Raj Bathija, a textile trader from Mumbai, was looking for help after two strokes had left him in a wheelchair. After initial treatment in Ali’s clinic he suffered painful cold and pale legs. He was assured by Ali not to worry but his condition worsened and eventually his legs had to be amputated. He is suing Ali for negligence and claims that Ali should have realised that the pain and cold in his legs were serious and should have referred him to hospital urgently. Bathija’s family have also raised questions about Ali’s title as a doctor: although Ali calls himself a doctor he is not registered with the General Medical Council and practises as a natural health practitioner, a title that can be used by anyone. Ali’s medical qualifications come from the Patrice Lumumba People’s Friendship University in Moscow, Russia.

The Observer, 7 September 2008, 13.