Raipur: The Ayushman Bharat Health Scheme, designed to provide free treatment to the underprivileged, has been misused not only by private hospitals but also by government hospitals. Investigations have revealed fraudulent practices, leading to show cause notices being issued to 10 government hospitals. Additionally, nine hospitals have been blacklisted, and three private hospitals have been suspended.
Under the Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana, government hospitals receive financial incentives for treating certain diseases such as eye surgeries, dental treatments, uterine operations, and piles. This amount is distributed among doctors and hospital staff as an incentive. However, investigations have found that some government hospital staff have been enrolling fake patients to claim incentives fraudulently, similar to the malpractice seen in private hospitals.
The Health Department’s inquiry confirmed multiple complaints, including excessive billing, unnecessary hospital admissions, and treatments conducted without specialists. As a result, nine hospitals have been permanently removed from the scheme, while three hospitals have been suspended for six months.
