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Chandigarh – A concerning escalation has emerged in the ongoing investigation into fraudulent activities surrounding the Ayushman Bharat healthcare scheme at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. Reports now indicate that bills, totaling significant amounts, have gone missing from the hospital’s central stores.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the already troubling situation, which initially involved the misappropriation of medicines intended for Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries. Insiders at PGI have expressed serious concerns regarding potential financial misappropriation, as the missing bills represent funds allocated for patient care under the government-backed scheme.
Key points of the ongoing investigation include:
- Missing Bills:
- Reports indicate that bills related to the Ayushman Bharat scheme have disappeared from the central stores.
- This has raised alarms about the potential for significant financial losses.
- Previous Fraud:
- The investigation began after the discovery of a multi-state racket involving the illegal procurement of medicines.
- Individuals were found to be using forged documents and fake stamps to obtain medicines from PGIMER’s AMRIT Pharmacy, which were then allegedly resold to private medical stores.
- The investigation has also shown that the fraud has also touched the Himcare scheme.
- Investigation and Response:
- PGI administration has filed a police complaint, and CCTV footage is being reviewed.
- Authorities are working to determine the full extent of the fraud and identify those responsible.
- PGI is also moving to an online indenting system, to try and prevent further fraud.
- Concerns about internal processes:
- There are concerns about the length of time that staff are allowed to remain in sensative positions within the hospital.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme is a crucial healthcare initiative designed to provide financial assistance to vulnerable populations. These breaches raise serious questions about the security and integrity of the scheme’s implementation. Authorities have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation and take necessary steps to prevent future incidents.
Disclaimer:
- This news article is based on currently available information, and the investigation is ongoing. Further details may emerge as the investigation progresses.
- Information within this article is based on reporting from the economic times, and other news sources.
(https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/hospitals/ayushman-scheme-breach-at-pgi-now-bills-go-missing-from-central-stores/119895452?utm_source=top_story&utm_medium=homepage)
