A shocking healthcare fraud has surfaced in Bihar’s capital Patna, where a private hospital has been accused of performing unauthorised Hysterectomy procedures on at least six women to fraudulently claim funds under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Women Allege Uterus Removed Without Consent
According to reports, the victims—aged between 30 and 38—were admitted for minor procedures like hernia and piles treatment at a hospital in Kankarbagh. However, they later discovered that their uteruses had been surgically removed without their knowledge or consent.
The issue came to light when the women noticed the sudden cessation of their menstrual cycles. Medical examinations later confirmed that their wombs had been removed.
One of the victims, a 35-year-old widow and mother of three, described the ordeal as life-altering. She revealed that after undergoing what she believed was a routine hernia surgery, her health deteriorated drastically, with symptoms including headaches, chest pain, abdominal lumps, and constant uneasiness.
RTI Activist Helps Expose Fraud
The case gained attention after the victim, along with RTI activist Tribhuvan Prasad Yadav, filed complaints with authorities.
Yadav alleged that the hospital—run by government doctors—had created a system to perform unnecessary surgeries and claim insurance money under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, without regard for patients’ lives.
Medical Board Confirms Irregularities
Following the complaints, authorities constituted a three-member medical board to investigate the matter. The panel found that the hospital had misled patients and conducted unnecessary surgeries purely to claim funds.
In a startling revelation, the hospital allegedly attempted to cover up the fraud by submitting fake medical records and even falsely declaring one of the victims dead. The woman later appeared before the panel, exposing the fabrication.
Strict Action Initiated Against Hospital
Based on the findings, the hospital’s registration under Ayushman Bharat has been cancelled. Authorities are now considering further action, including suspension of its operational license.
The Bihar Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and sought detailed reports from senior officials. A hearing in the matter is scheduled for June 1.
Victims Demand Justice, Action Against Doctors
The victims have demanded strict punishment against those responsible. Activist Tribhuvan Prasad Yadav has stated that he will approach the National Medical Commission and the state medical council to seek cancellation of the doctors’ licenses.
He also indicated that legal action will be pursued if necessary, raising concerns about whether similar frauds are occurring in other hospitals under the scheme.
Not the First Such Scam in Bihar
This incident echoes a major scam uncovered in 2012 under the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), where thousands of poor women reportedly underwent unnecessary hysterectomies to generate insurance claims.
Estimates suggest that between 16,000 and 50,000 such surgeries were carried out during that period. Despite FIRs, many accused continue to practice, pointing to systemic gaps in accountability.
Ayushman Bharat Under Scrutiny
Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat aims to provide cashless healthcare coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually to economically vulnerable families. While the scheme has significantly improved access to healthcare, repeated instances of fraud—ranging from unnecessary procedures to inflated billing—have raised serious concerns over its implementation.
Growing Concern Over Healthcare Fraud
The Patna case has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter monitoring, transparency, and accountability in public healthcare schemes. Experts warn that without robust checks, such misuse not only drains public funds but also puts innocent lives at grave risk.
