Image sources: Headshot of Gurvindra Johal, sourced from his Facebook page. Background image of CityMD urgent care, one of the locations where Johal allegedly engaged in misconduct, sourced from Google Maps.
Dr. Gurvindra Johal, 57, a former urgent care physician from Colonia, New Jersey, has been indicted on multiple charges related to the sexual assault of female patients during exams across Middlesex, Essex, and Monmouth counties.
The cases against Johal were consolidated by the Division of Criminal Justice, and a New Jersey grand jury returned a 15-count indictment against him. The charges include two counts of second-degree sexual assault, eleven counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, and “one count each of falsifying or tampering with records and destruction, falsification, or alteration of records pertaining to medical care.” (NJOAG)
The alleged assaults occurred while Johal was working at clinics in Perth Amboy, Newark, and Freehold Township.
Medical License Suspended in 2023
According to the Middlesex County NJ Office of the County Prosecutor, “Johal was previously arrested and charged with two counts of Criminal Sexual Contact on February 25, 2023” and then “charged with two additional counts of Criminal Sexual Contact and one count of Sexual Assault” in March of 2023.
The investigation into his misconduct began when a patient reported being touched inappropriately by Dr. Johal at Amboy Urgent Care in Perth Amboy, NJ. Other victims of sexual abuse were discovered, including more at that facility, and others in a Newark, NJ, facility, as well as a facility in Freehold Township. Allegedly, “five incidents occurred in Middlesex County, three in Essex County, and two victims were assaulted in Monmouth County.” (NJOAG)
According to a March 2023 New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners Interim Consent Order, Johal was terminated from his employment at CityMD, an urgent care in Newark, “following an investigation into two complaints alleging that he engaged in sexual misconduct with two patients.” In the consent order, the board suspended Dr. Johal’s license to practice medicine. Although Johal did not admit wrongdoing, the Board found that the allegations, if proven, would violate New Jersey laws related to sexual misconduct and unprofessional conduct. The Board concluded that his continued practice posed a threat to public health, safety, and welfare and barred him from treating patients.
Besides losing his license in New Jersey, Dr. Johal was also suspended from practicing medicine in New York. In April 2023, the New York State Board for Professional Medical Conduct finalized an Interim Order of Conditions against Johal, preventing him from practicing in the state while misconduct proceedings were pending.
Altered Medical Records Alleged
In addition to sexual crimes, Johal is also accused of trying to cover up his misconduct. Allegedly, Johal tried to mislead an insurance company by submitting a false statement in a letter in response to its investigation into claims of inappropriate touching. He also purportedly altered medical records to falsely indicate that a medical assistant had been present during an exam. His office manager, Rani Patel, 32, was also charged with multiple crimes, including insurance fraud, allegedly conspiring with him to send the letter.
Clinics May Be Liable
Dr. Johal practiced at multiple urgent care facilities during the time of the alleged assaults, including CityMD and Amboy Urgent Care. According to his Facebook, he also worked at Medicenter of Edison, which has been marked closed on Yelp. While Johal has been charged individually, the urgent care centers that employed him may be legally responsible for failing to protect patients.
Under civil law, healthcare organizations have a duty of care to protect patients from foreseeable harm, including misconduct by medical staff. That responsibility includes appropriate screening, supervision, and action when concerns arise. Clinics that neglect those duties may be held accountable for enabling or failing to prevent misconduct.
For survivors, civil claims may offer a path to justice, not only by holding institutions accountable but also by demanding systemic change and resources to help rebuild their lives.
Survivors Have the Right to Seek Justice
Sexual abuse by a doctor is a profound violation of trust. When medical professionals cause harm and institutions fail to intervene, survivors have the right to pursue accountability and justice.
If you or someone you love was harmed by Dr. Gurvindra Johal or at one of the clinics where he practiced, legal options may be available. Our team is here to listen.
Contact us confidentially at info@vca.law or fill out a form today.
