RGHS Irregularities: 34 hospitals, 431 pharma stores suspended, Rs 36 crore recovered

Also read- PMJAY Irregularities: 2 private hospitals suspended, show-cause notices to 2 others

According to Principal Secretary (Health) Gayatri Rathore, the 34 private hospitals were suspended for activities such as raising double claims for single surgery, conducting unnecessary tests and charging for higher-rate test packages even when cheaper options were available. So far, penalties worth Rs 36 crore have been recovered from these hospitals.

Similarly, 431 pharma stores were suspended for issuing fake bills and misusing RGHS benefits through coordination between pharmacists, doctors and beneficiaries. The department has recovered Rs 4.6 crore in penalties from these stores.

More than 1,000 RGHS beneficiary cards used for fraudulent claims have also been blocked, and 28 employees involved in misuse have been suspended, as reported by TOI. 

To prevent such violations in future, the government has now set up an Anti-Fraud Cell, and a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will also be released soon.

According to the report, the RGHS office increased surveillance in recent months to protect the treasury and ensure the smooth functioning of the scheme. During this period, cases surfaced of private hospitals, approved pharma stores and even beneficiaries availing benefits through improper and rule-violating methods, causing substantial financial losses.

Also read- Gwalior's medical college suspends 34 students after hostel clash