Jaisalmer: A major healthcare scam has rocked Rajasthan, with doctors, radiologists, and radiographers accused of issuing fake silicosis certificates to healthy individuals in exchange for financial benefits under a government scheme. The scam, which spans across Dausa, Pali, Jodhpur, Karauli, and Jaisalmer, is estimated to be worth over ₹90 crore.
The Rajasthan Health Department has taken cognisance of the scam and recommended action against 6 doctors, 6 radiographers, and 2 radiologists in Dausa district alone. ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau) has been urged to investigate and take appropriate legal action.
₹13 Crore Already Disbursed to Ineligible Beneficiaries
According to reports, 436 ineligible individuals received ₹13.08 crore in financial aid meant for silicosis patients. An additional ₹77.67 crore in pending payments to 2,589 fake claimants was halted after a detailed verification by SMS Hospital, Jaipur.
Silicosis is a serious occupational lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, common among mine and stone workers. Under the Rajasthan Pneumoconiosis Policy, 2022, genuine patients are entitled to:
- ₹3 lakh financial aid
- ₹1,500 monthly pension
- ₹2 lakh compensation to the family in case of death
Massive Forgery Using Duplicate X-rays
The scam came to light when it was discovered that identical X-ray images were used for multiple individuals, and certificates were falsely issued, aided by corrupt medical staff.
For instance:
- In Dausa, 1,740 of 2,464 cases were fake; 413 individuals already received money.
- In Jodhpur, 531 of 2,329 cases were fake (18 paid).
- In Karauli, 291 of 1,969 cases were fake (no payment yet).
- In Pali, 21 of 288 cases were fake (5 paid).
- In Jaisalmer, 6 of 32 were fake.
Teams of Medical Professionals Named in the Fraud
Several doctor-radiologist teams allegedly issued fake certificates. Prominent names include:
- Dr. Manoj Ucchwal (Dausa), Radiographer Sandeep Sharma, and Radiologist Ghanshyam Meena – 727 of 1,016 reports fake.
- Dr. Devinarayan Sharma (Jaipur), Radiographer Manohar Lal Yadav, and Radiologist Ghanshyam Meena – 542 of 884 reports fake.
- Dr. Prem Meena, Radiographer Ketan, and Radiologist Ghanshyam – 346 of 444 fake.
- Dr. Dinesh Kumar (District Hospital Mahwa) – allegedly reused X-ray reports for 41 patients.
Health Department Steps In
Following the uncovering of the scam, payments to suspected fake beneficiaries were immediately stopped. Investigations have now extended to other districts.
No irregularities were found in Sawai Madhopur, Sirohi, Sikar, Nagaur, Kota, and Tonk.
Widespread Outrage
Health professionals and citizens have expressed outrage. A doctor on social media wrote:
“Silicosis scam by radiologists and radiographers — a shocking scam uncovered in Rajasthan. I hope the culprits face appropriate punishment.”
ACB Investigation Underway
The Anti-Corruption Bureau is now probing the case, and legal action is expected soon. Authorities are tightening the process of silicosis certification to prevent further misuse.
The scam raises critical concerns over accountability in healthcare, the misuse of welfare schemes, and the need for digital safeguards and biometric tracking in medical verifications.
