Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Health Department has suspended 15 hospitals from the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) following a detailed investigation by the State Anti-Fraud Unit, which uncovered various irregularities, including inadequate medical facilities and fraudulent claims.
The scrutiny was intensified after irregularities were first noticed at Khyati Hospital in Ahmedabad, triggering a wider investigation that revealed similar issues in several other hospitals. The investigation exposed violations such as the lack of essential ICU equipment, manipulation of maternity treatment rates, and fraudulent insurance claims.
Among the suspended hospitals are gynaecology centers, pediatric hospitals, and multi-specialty clinics located in various districts, including Bhavnagar, Amreli, Rajkot, Mehsana, and Tapi. Some hospitals were found to be operating below the required PMJAY standards.
The probe began following the deaths of two patients at Khyati Multi Specialty Hospital, prompting the State Health Agency (SHA) to investigate the hospital’s operations. The inquiry led to the cancellation of licenses for 12 doctors implicated in the fraud by the Gujarat Medical Council.
Despite action against the involved hospitals, a Class One Government Medical Officer who was implicated in the Khyati Hospital scam remains unsuspended. This officer was arrested after a police investigation revealed that he had approved PMJAY cards for ineligible patients in exchange for bribes. The Health Department has yet to take disciplinary action against him.
The list of hospitals suspended from the PMJAY scheme includes well-known institutions such as:
- Ved Hospital, Kheda
- RN Wala Smarak Trust Hospital, Gir Somnath
- Modi Children Hospital, Kakrapar and Tapi
- Olympus Hospital, Rajkot
- Anahat Heart Institute & Specialty Hospital, Mehsana
- Chitra Medical Center, Bhavnagar
- Ghanchi Arogya Mandal, Aravalli
- Parivar General Hospital, Bhavnagar
- Sabiha Sarvajanik Hospital, Botad
- Sad Vichar Jan Hospital, Bhavnagar
- Pulse Plus Multi Hospital, Bhavnagar
- Navjivan Hospital, Amreli
- Kalrav Hospital, Amreli
- Shifa Multispeciality Hospital, Ahmedabad
The investigation is still ongoing, and further actions are expected as the Health Department continues to monitor the implementation of PMJAY in the state.
