An abstract representation of the complex issues surrounding the opioid crisis.
A Secaucus internist, Dr. Ritesh Kalra, is facing serious federal charges for allegedly prescribing thousands of opioids in exchange for sexual favors and committing healthcare fraud. The accusations include operating a ‘pill mill’ and billing for nonexistent consultations. Dr. Kalra appeared in court and was released under home incarceration. This case highlights ongoing issues in the healthcare system and the exploitation during the opioid crisis.
A 51-year-old internist from Secaucus, New Jersey, is facing serious federal charges related to illegal prescribing practices and healthcare fraud. Dr. Ritesh Kalra has been accused of issuing thousands of prescriptions for powerful painkillers, allegedly in exchange for sexual favors from vulnerable patients, and engaging in billing schemes to defraud the healthcare system.
Federal prosecutors have charged Dr. Kalra with illegally prescribing large quantities of opioids, including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine. Between January 2019 and February 2025, during the period covered by the indictment, researchers allege he issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone. Reports indicate that on some days, he wrote more than 50 prescriptions in a single day, raising concerns about the volume and intent of these prescriptions.
The doctor operated a medical practice in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, which federal authorities describe as a “pill mill.” Such facilities are often characterized by the over-prescription of controlled substances without proper medical justification. Prosecutors allege that Dr. Kalra’s clinic primarily served as a source of illegal opioids rather than providing legitimate healthcare services.
In addition to the alkyl prescription activity, Dr. Kalra is charged with committing healthcare fraud by billing for fictitious in-person consultations and counseling sessions that never occurred. This scheme is alleged to have resulted in improper billing to insurance programs, further fueling concerns about exploitation of the healthcare system for financial gain.
Dr. Kalra appeared before a magistrate judge in Newark, New Jersey, and has since been released under a home incarceration agreement with a bail amount of $100,000 unsecured bond. In accordance with the conditions of bail, he has been ordered to suspend all medical practice pending the resolution of the case, effectively preventing him from practicing medicine during legal proceedings.
United States Attorney Alina Habba described the case as an example of exploitation of the medical profession to fuel the opioid epidemic and commit healthcare fraud. According to authorities, the allegations highlight ongoing issues with some healthcare providers misusing their positions for personal and financial gain.
Kalra’s attorney, Michael Baldassare, has stated that the allegations are exaggerated and compared the government’s press release to a “supermarket tabloid,” suggesting a minimized view of his client’s actions. This case reflects a wider trend in the United States, where several medical professionals have been implicated in exploiting the opioid crisis by illegal prescribing and billing practices.
The ongoing opioid epidemic has led to increased scrutiny of medical practices, with authorities intensifying efforts to curb illegal prescriptions and healthcare fraud. Cases like this one underscore the importance of regulatory oversight and the need for responsible prescribing by healthcare providers to combat illegal drug distribution and protect vulnerable populations from addiction.
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