Massive fake claims under AB-PMJAY uncovered; non-existent hospital siphoned off public funds
Guwahati: In a major crackdown on healthcare fraud, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Guwahati Zonal Office, has provisionally attached immovable properties worth ₹55.33 lakh linked to the proprietor of Shifa Hospital & Research Centre in Hailakandi, Assam.
The action was taken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following an FIR registered by Hailakandi Police Station. The case pertains to large-scale misuse of the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, one of India’s flagship healthcare initiatives aimed at providing free treatment to economically vulnerable sections.
Fake Claims Worth Over ₹64 Lakh
According to investigation findings, the hospital—empanelled under AB-PMJAY—fraudulently generated 778 fake reimbursement claims amounting to ₹64.10 lakh between April 22, 2019, and November 5, 2022. Shockingly, the facility was found to be non-existent at the registered address.
Staged Photos, Paid Beneficiaries
The accused allegedly orchestrated a well-planned fraud by luring Ayushman cardholders to a temporary setup. Beneficiaries were paid ₹300 each to pose as patients lying on hospital beds. These staged images were then uploaded to the Transaction Management System (TMS) portal to claim reimbursements for treatments that were never provided.
Funds Routed and Withdrawn
Based on these fabricated claims, ₹57.96 lakh was disbursed by the Atal Amrit Abhiyan Society into the hospital’s account at the Bank of India. The ED found that the funds—classified as “proceeds of crime”—were subsequently siphoned off through cash withdrawals and UPI transactions.
Properties Acquired Using Fraud Money
The investigation further revealed that the accused invested the незаконный proceeds into real estate. Five land parcels and construction of two multi-storeyed buildings were carried out without any legitimate income source.
As part of its action, the ED has attached six immovable assets, including five plots of land and one floor in a multi-storeyed building, collectively valued at ₹55.33 lakh.
Probe Continues
The ED stated that further investigation is underway to trace additional assets and identify possible accomplices involved in the scam. The case highlights serious loopholes in healthcare scheme implementation and raises concerns over monitoring mechanisms within government-funded insurance programs.
