Sterling Cancer Hospital Faces 3-Month Suspension and Rs 28.40 Lakh Fine for PM JAY Violation

The Stirling Cancer Hospital, located on the outskirts of the city, is facing government sanctions for not providing treatment to three patients under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and instead referring them to other private hospitals. In response, the Department of Health has imposed penalties on the hospital.

According to Dr. Minakshi Chauhan, the Chief Health Officer of the district, during the government investigation, it was revealed that a total of INR 5.68 million was claimed from the government for the treatment of three patients. Subsequently, a directive has been issued to penalize the hospital with INR 28.40 lakh for the three patients.

In an incident on October 4th, the State Anti-Fraud Unit of the SAAFIU conducted an inspection and expedited the evaluation of damages suffered by three patients. As a consequence, the suspension of the hospital’s participation in the PM-JAY scheme for the next three months has been enforced. However, patients currently undergoing treatment will continue to receive care.

The financial details provided by the patients are as follows:

• Jubedaben Patel: INR 2,50,000
• Chimanbhai Patel: INR 1,80,000
• Bhaveshbhai Patel: INR 1,38,000
• The hospital is required to reimburse these amounts ranging from INR 1.38 lakh to INR 2.5 lakh.

If the hospital decides to resume the treatment of damages, a blacklist may be imposed. The hospital had provided radiation and chemotherapy treatments, and operations were performed in other hospitals. However, due to non-compliance with guidelines, a three-month suspension has been enforced. Further, if the rehabilitation of damages occurs, blacklisting is under consideration.

Stirling Cancer Hospital Faces Suspension Following Government Notice

Stirling Cancer Hospital has received a notice dated November 4th, stating that the suspension will be effective immediately from the date of receiving the notice. New patients cannot be admitted under the PM-JAY scheme, but the ongoing treatment of existing patients will be continued. Dr. Minakshi Chauhan, the CMO of Vadodara, expressed her efforts to establish contact with stakeholders in the hospital administration, but it was not possible.

Ma Yojana Under Scrutiny – Hospitals Exploiting Loopholes for Personal Gain

Under the Ma Yojana scheme, there have been instances where hospitals exploited the provision to charge exorbitant fees instead of availing government-specified rates. Some hospitals used innovative technologies as an excuse to charge patients directly instead of relying on the government. This situation led to a surge in hospital bills for patients, deviating from the intended benefits of the scheme.