Shimla, July 31
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches on Wednesday at 19 locations across Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh in connection with a Rs. 46.48 lakh scam involving fake Ayushman Bharat AB-PMJAY ID cards.
A large convoy of 40 SUVs and 150 officers, accompanied by CRPF personnel, visited several hospitals, including Bankey Bihari Hospital and Fortis Hospital, to scrutinize medical bills allegedly generated using fraudulent cards. These fake cards resulted in significant financial losses to the exchequer and the public.
Among the locations searched was a hospital in Kangra linked to a high-profile individual. The ED’s money laundering investigation originated from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Himachal Pradesh State Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV & ACB) in Una.
During the probe, 373 fake Ayushman cards were discovered, leading to approximately Rs. 40,68,150 in government reimbursements for treatments that were never actually provided. It was found that hospitals had filed claims for non-existent treatments, surgeries, and admissions.
The investigation also revealed that these hospitals were de-empaneled from the scheme for engaging in illegal practices and failing to comply with established procedures and guidelines. So far, 8,937 Ayushman Bharat golden cards have been canceled in Himachal Pradesh due to alleged violations of the AB-PMJAY scheme, involving proceeds of crime amounting to about Rs. 25 crore.
An official noted that Fortis Hospital in Kangra is associated with a prominent healthcare company. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) investigation indicated that Bankey Bihari Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Shri Balaji Hospital, Sood Nursing Home, and Sri Harihar Hospital had all benefited illegally from the AB-PMJAY scheme.
These hospitals, along with others, were de-empaneled due to their involvement in the fraudulent activities. The ED’s actions highlight a significant scam within the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, the Prime Minister’s flagship healthcare scheme.
According to ED officials, the investigation stemmed from an FIR lodged in Una district regarding the misuse of fake health cards in multiple health institutions. Unconfirmed reports on social media suggest that the ED is also investigating health institutions linked to certain political figures and healthcare practitioners.
These actions may intensify the political atmosphere in the area. Further developments are awaited.
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