Nashik Hospitals Booked For ₹1.79 Crore Health Scheme Fraud

A major financial fraud has surfaced in government-funded healthcare schemes in Nashik, with three private hospitals accused of fraudulently claiming around ₹1.79 crore by submitting fake treatment claims.

The hospitals in question are Shiv Multispeciality and Critical Care Hospital, Nashik Grace Hospital, and Rishikesh Hospital. According to the police, action has been initiated against these hospitals after a complaint was filed by the Deputy Secretary of the Public Health Department.

The complaint was filed after a detailed audit of claims submitted through the Jeevandayee portal revealed 361 suspicious claims from Nashik. Further scrutiny allegedly revealed that several bills had been approved by falsely showing that treatments had been provided, even though no actual treatment had taken place.

The alleged fraud includes 163 cases at Shiv Multispeciality and Critical Care Hospital, worth ₹71.83 lakh, 126 cases at Nashik Grace Hospital, worth ₹62.14 lakh, and 72 cases at Rishikesh Hospital, worth ₹45.46 lakh. Together, the three hospitals are accused of fraudulently claiming approximately ₹1.79 crore from government healthcare schemes.

Field verification of beneficiaries from Deola, Kalwan, and Dindori talukas revealed that several beneficiaries had never received treatment at the hospitals concerned. Some had actually been treated at other hospitals, while in certain cases, beneficiaries had died before the dates on which treatment was allegedly provided.

The case has raised serious concerns about transparency in the implementation of government healthcare schemes and the alleged misuse of beneficiary documents. The Worli Police in Mumbai have registered a case against five office-bearers associated with the three hospitals.

The government health schemes in question include the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY). These schemes are meant to provide free and quality medical treatment to poor and needy patients.

The investigation is ongoing, and the state government has ordered a detailed audit of all claims submitted through the Jeevandayee portal. The case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of government healthcare schemes.

The alleged fraud has significant implications for the healthcare sector in Maharashtra, and the state government has vowed to take action against those responsible. The case is a reminder of the importance of ensuring that government healthcare schemes are implemented in a transparent and accountable manner.

In conclusion, the alleged fraud in Nashik highlights the need for greater vigilance and accountability in the implementation of government healthcare schemes. The state government must take swift action to prevent such frauds in the future and ensure that beneficiary documents are used in a transparent and accountable manner.