Scandal Impact: 5 Hospitals Suspended from PMJAY for Irregularities – 2 in Patan, 1 Each in Ahmedabad, Dahod, and Aravalli
Following revelations of irregularities in Ahmedabad’s renowned multispeciality hospital under the PMJAY scheme, the state government has intensified efforts to uncover similar misconduct in other districts. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya – MA Yojana, the State Anti-Fraud Unit (SAFU), accompanied by a team of expert doctors, inspected suspicious hospitals allegedly engaging in fraudulent activities under the scheme.
As a result of these inspections, irregularities in five hospitals and two doctors across various districts were uncovered between December 2 and December 8.
Action Taken Against Two Hospitals in Patan District
Irregularities and violations were discovered in two hospitals in Patan district—Heer Children’s Hospital, Nishka Children’s Hospital, and Neonatal Care—as well as other hospitals across Gujarat, leading to their suspension from the PMJAY-MA scheme.
Heer Children’s Hospital, Patan
During inspections, tampering with 91 lab reports during the pre-authorization phase and the selection of higher-cost packages in neonatal care were detected. Consequently, both Heer Children’s Hospital and its practitioner, Dr. Hiren Patel, have been suspended from the scheme. Additionally, Health Spring 24 Pathology Laboratory in Patan was also suspended. A recovery and penalty of ₹50,27,700 were imposed on the hospital.
Nishka Children’s Hospital and Neonatal Care Center, Patan
In Nishka Children’s Hospital, 60 tampered lab reports were identified during the pre-authorization phase. Moreover, when requested, the tied-up laboratory failed to produce patient lab reports. As a result, both the hospital and its doctor, Dr. Divyesh Shah, were suspended from the scheme. Shiv Diagnostic Laboratory in Patan was also suspended. The hospital was directed to pay a recovery amount and penalty totaling ₹15,16,350.
Action Taken Against Hospitals in Ahmedabad, Dahod, and Aravalli
Irregularities have been identified in one hospital each from Ahmedabad, Dahod, and Aravalli districts under the PMJAY-MA scheme, leading to their suspension until deficiencies are rectified.
Sonal Hospital, Dahod
Sonal Hospital was found lacking adequate manpower and infrastructure as per the scheme’s guidelines. Additionally, shortcomings in infection control measures were observed, leading to its suspension.
Sentara Orthopedic Hospital, Ahmedabad
During inspections, it was revealed that Sentara Orthopedic Hospital lacked Building Use (BU) permission for its fourth and fifth floors. The hospital also did not meet staffing requirements, lacked a modular OT, and was found storing expired medicines. As a result, the hospital has been suspended until it secures BU permission and addresses the identified deficiencies.
Shri Jalaram Children’s Hospital, Aravalli
Shri Jalaram Children’s Hospital was found operating with an expired fire safety certificate, and its NICU facilities did not meet the prescribed guidelines. The hospital has been suspended until it renews its fire safety certificate and resolves the deficiencies.
The SAFU team under the PMJAY-MA scheme is conducting inspections in other hospitals across the state. Hospital records are being thoroughly reviewed, and any violations of scheme guidelines will result in similar action.
12 Hospitals Suspended in 12 Months Under PMJAY-MA Scheme
Recent cases of irregularities under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya – MA Yojana have prompted the state government to develop new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for treatments like cardiology, radiology, chemotherapy, and neonatal care. These updated guidelines are expected to be released soon.
Notably, since January 2024, a total of 12 hospitals have been suspended or de-panelled from the PMJAY-MA scheme due to violations and fraudulent practices.
