Inspection finds unsanitary operation theatres, lack of emergency services and major procedural lapses
A private healthcare facility in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has been suspended from the Ayushman Bharat ‘Niramayam’ Yojana with immediate effect after authorities uncovered multiple irregularities during an inspection, officials said on Friday.
The action was taken against Vedanta Hospital following a physical inspection conducted by officials of the state’s Ayushman Bharat ‘Niramayam’ programme. The inspection revealed several financial and procedural violations along with poor medical infrastructure.
Unsanitary operation theatres and lack of emergency services
Officials said the condition of the hospital’s operation theatres was found to be extremely poor and unsanitary, raising serious concerns about patient safety.
According to the state government, the hospital also failed to provide emergency health services to patients despite being empanelled under the scheme.
Following the inspection, the authorities suspended Vedanta Hospital from the Ayushman Bharat ‘Niramayam’ scheme due to what they described as “grave violations” of the standards prescribed under the programme.
Missing tumour board despite oncology empanelment
During the inspection, officials also found that although the hospital was empanelled under the Surgical Oncology category, it did not have a Tumour Board, which is a key requirement for handling cancer-related cases.
Authorities also noted other shortcomings, including the absence of promotional materials related to the scheme, inadequate arrangements for patient meals, and a shortage of sufficient staff at the facility.
The State Health Agency concluded that these lapses constituted serious financial and procedural violations.
More strict action likely
Officials stated that further action may follow, including the possibility of permanently de-empanelling the hospital from the scheme.
Vedanta Hospital in Indore is known as a multi-speciality private healthcare facility offering relatively affordable treatment. It was previously recognised for its 24-hour emergency services and its empanelment under the Ayushman Bharat programme, which allowed eligible patients to receive free treatment for several critical surgeries.
About Ayushman Bharat ‘Niramayam’ scheme
The Ayushman Bharat ‘Niramayam’ scheme is the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana within Madhya Pradesh. The programme provides free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year for eligible low-income families in the state.
The scheme covers secondary and tertiary medical care in empanelled hospitals and primarily targets families below the poverty line, beneficiaries of the Sambal Yojana, and certain categories of construction workers.
Health officials said strict monitoring will continue to ensure that empanelled hospitals comply with the quality and service standards required under the scheme.
