Audit Uncovers Violations in Healthcare Standards and PMJAY Guidelines
Rajkot: The health department has suspended Shanti Multispecialty Hospital from the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) for six months and imposed a ₹23.15 lakh fine after an audit revealed multiple irregularities. The hospital was served a notice on Friday following inspections by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) health department and an insurance company on January 6.
Key Violations Identified
- Absence of Registered Doctors – Doctors listed on the HEM (hospital empanelment module) portal were not present during the inspection.
- Expired GPCB Certificate – The hospital failed to renew its Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) certification.
- Improper X-ray Setup – The X-ray machine was found in the general ward without necessary radiation protection like curtains or metal walls.
- Non-compliance in ICU, OT, and Recovery Rooms – Deficiencies in fumigation and autoclave documentation violated PMJAY standards.
- Unauthorized Charges – Patients under PMJAY were unlawfully charged ₹14,900, though refunds were assured at discharge.
- Unauthorized Surgeries – A removed doctor performed 24 surgeries under PMJAY, amounting to ₹4.48 lakh in fees.
Penalties Imposed
- The hospital must refund ₹14,900 to affected patients.
- A fivefold penalty was imposed on both the unauthorized charges (₹14,900 × 5) and the surgery fees (₹4.48 lakh × 5), totaling ₹23.15 lakh.
- Payment is due within seven days, failing which further action will be taken as per PMJAY guidelines.
The six-month suspension from PMJAY means the hospital cannot offer cashless treatment under the scheme during this period.
