PGI Chandigarh staffer held in Ayushman fraud case

Chandigarh: Amid the ongoing multi-crore fraud involving the Ayushman Bharat cashless treatment scheme at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh, authorities have now uncovered its spread to the Himcare scheme. In connection with the investigation, a data operator at the Himcare counter in Nehru Hospital has been arrested, marking the first insider from PGI to be detained with this expanding scam.

The fraud first came to light when an individual was caught exploiting Ayushman Bharat benefits. Following his arrest, the Crime Branch took over the case for a more detailed probe.

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Medical dialogues had previously reported that a routine security check at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh recently led to a major breakthrough, exposing a multi-state racket involving the illegal procurement of medicines valued at Rs 60,000 under the Ayushman Bharat cashless scheme. The medicines meant for patients were allegedly resold to private medical stores. The scammers allegedly used forged documents and fake departmental stamps to obtain medicines under the scheme from PGIMER's AMRIT Pharmacy.

During interrogation, the accused implicated the data entry operator, leading to his subsequent arrest. Investigators are now working to determine whether the fraudulent activities were confined to the Ayushman Bharat scheme or if they also extended to the Himcare scheme, which provides healthcare benefits to residents of Himachal Pradesh. If confirmed, it could lead to major policy changes in the administration of the Himcare scheme.

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