The Indian government notified the Lok Sabha on December 20, 2024, of a major inquiry concerning the production of fraudulent Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) cards. Some hospitals have allegedly abused these cards, which are a part of a government program to give low-income families free healthcare services, to make false claims for funding. As a component of an ongoing investigation into money-laundering activities related to this fraud, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out comprehensive searches at many sites in August 2024.
Seven hospitals in Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh were among the 20 sites the ED searched. Among the notable hospitals raided were City Super Specialty Hospital, Fortis Hospital Himachal Healthcare Private Limited, and Shree Banke Bihari Hospital. Evidence of fraud was found during the inquiry, especially in relation to the creation of fictitious AB-PMJAY cards in order to submit bogus claims for government reimbursement. These claims may have involved false records or nonexistent patients, but they were probably handled under the guise of treating eligible beneficiaries.
Authorities confiscated almost Rs 88 lakh in cash as a result of these searches. The money was seized along with digital devices and incriminating documents, which are currently being examined to obtain more proof of misconduct. Concerns over the scope of the fraud, which may have involved a wider network of people and hospitals taking advantage of the AB-PMJAY scam, have been aroused by the seizure of this substantial sum of money and electronic evidence.
Along with the cash seizure, the ED has also documented three instances of hospitals in Assam that were empanelled under the AB-PMJAY scheme submitting false claims. These incidents demonstrate the investigation’s wider reach and the potential that the fraudulent activity goes beyond the areas that were investigated in August.
In a written response, Prataprao Jadhav, the Minister of State for Health, said that these searches were a part of the ongoing attempts to find and bring charges against people who were abusing the AB-PMJAY system to obtain illicit financial benefits. The government’s swift response shows a strong commitment to reducing corruption in public welfare programs and making sure that money intended for the poor actually reaches the people who need it. This instance emphasizes how crucial careful oversight and accountability are to extensive government initiatives, particularly those that aim to offer critical services to disadvantaged groups.
SOURCE :
THE PRINT
