A senior cardiologist at Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, has been suspended by the Jammu and Kashmir Health Department following allegations of misrepresentation of cardiac procedures under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). The action comes after a probe accused the doctor of data falsification, financial irregularities, and violating PMJAY guidelines while performing advanced pacemaker implantation procedures.
Suspension Ordered Amid Allegations of Misreporting Under PMJAY
According to an official suspension order issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Health Department, the Associate Professor of Cardiology at GMC Anantnag has been accused of intentionally misrepresenting medical procedures, falsifying records, and causing financial loss to the public healthcare scheme.
The suspension order, signed by Commissioner Secretary M. Raju, stated that the doctor has been placed under immediate suspension under Rule 31 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956. During the suspension period, he has been attached to the office of Government Medical College, Jammu.
Probe Focuses on Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing Procedures
The controversy revolves around Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP), an advanced pacemaker implantation technique that stimulates the heart’s natural electrical conduction system and is considered a more physiological approach to rhythm management.
Authorities allege that the cardiologist performed 103 LBBAP procedures but registered them under the PMJAY package meant for standard dual-chamber pacemaker implantation. Investigators claim that while physical medical records indicate LBBAP was performed, the procedures were billed under a different category on the PMJAY Transaction Management System (TMS).
The probe report reportedly stated that the alleged misclassification enabled reimbursement claims under the government-funded healthcare scheme despite LBBAP not being explicitly covered under the same package.
Government Alleges Financial and Procurement Violations
The investigation further alleges that some patients incurred out-of-pocket expenses despite PMJAY’s cashless treatment mandate. In one instance, a patient was reportedly asked to pay Rs 70,000 to a private vendor for medical equipment.
Authorities have also accused the doctor of bypassing the hospital’s official procurement system by sourcing devices through external suppliers, raising concerns regarding procurement transparency and accountability within the institution.
Additionally, an expert review of selected patient records reportedly found that several patients had normal cardiac function, prompting questions over the clinical necessity of certain advanced procedures.
Cardiologist Rejects Allegations, Defends Clinical Decisions
The suspended cardiologist has strongly denied all allegations and stated that he has submitted a detailed response supported by medical documentation.
Defending the use of LBBAP, the doctor said the procedure is a globally accepted advancement over conventional dual-chamber pacemaker implantation. According to him, traditional dual-chamber pacemakers carry a risk of failure over time, while LBBAP provides a more physiological pacing method by targeting the heart’s conduction system.
He further maintained that all procedures were carried out within the PMJAY framework and that equipment procurement was undertaken through authorised government-approved channels, including the Amrit supply network.
While acknowledging that a few patients may have incurred partial expenses under exceptional circumstances, he denied any deliberate violation of procurement rules or PMJAY norms.
Medical Community Divided Over Suspension
The suspension has sparked debate among healthcare professionals in Jammu and Kashmir. Some doctors have questioned the timing of the action and suggested that institutional politics may have played a role. They have also credited the cardiologist with helping establish advanced cardiac care services at GMC Anantnag.
Others, however, argue that the issue extends beyond medical innovation and concerns compliance with PMJAY regulations. Several medical experts have emphasised that regardless of the clinical benefits of LBBAP, adherence to government healthcare scheme guidelines remains mandatory.
As the investigation continues, medical professionals and healthcare administrators are awaiting the findings of the probe committee, which will determine whether the allegations amount to procedural lapses or financial misconduct under the PMJAY/SEHAT scheme.
