Oncologist diverts patients to private hospital causing Rs 2.18 crore loss to TN Govt, faces action

Madurai: A radiation oncologist associated with the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) was transferred out of her department on Friday for allegedly diverting around 500 cancer patients to a private hospital, owned by her relative that led to a loss of over Rs 2.18 crore to the state government.

Along with the doctor, two hospital workers, including a data entry operator were also terminated from their service for being involved in diverting the patients.

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The action came in wake of inquiry conducted within two days by the four member committee formed by the state health department. The projector director of TNHSP had formed a four member committee to investigate the charges based on the allegations made by the insurance company.

The inquiry order states, "The United India Insurance Company (in its letter dated November 11, 2021) has informed that cancer patients who seek medical treatment at GRH have been methodically pursued and shifted to Mohan Medicity Hospital, by the doctors of GRH. It has resulted in the loss of revenue of Rs 61,29,760 to Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project (TNHSP) and Rs 1,57,62,242 to GRH."

A member of the committee told TNIE, "During our investigation, it was found that Associate Professor who served as the Head of Department (in-charge) of Radiation Oncology until February has transferred nearly 500 patients since 2017 to the private hospital owned by her father who is a renowned surgical oncologist."

According to a hospital official, when a cancer patient is getting treatment under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), the treatment cost is covered by specific insurance package worth Rs 40,000, 28% of which is reimbursed to TNHSP whereas 72% is reimbursed to the private/government hospital by the Tamil Nadu government.

The official added, "In case of the patient being treated at a private hospital, the insurance amount given by the State government reaches the hands of private parties."

The two hospital workers who were terminated from their service, a 26-year-old data entry operator from K Pudur and 42 year old lab technician from Thirunagar were also found to be a part of the nexus, stated the inquiry report. They were terminated from their service by the GRH Dean Dr A Rathinavel on Thursday.

The radiation oncologist was transferred from her department to the Institute of Community Medicine at Madurai Medical College.

The dean stated, "With action pending against the doctor and the workers by the State health department, the workers were terminated and the doctor was transferred out of her department as preliminary action. Based on orders from the health department, further punitive measures will be taken."

Project Director of TNHSP Dr Uma further added that the Principal Secretary/Officer on Special Duty in Health Department Dr P Senthilkumar would take an action against the radiation oncologist.

Chief Ministers Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme was launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu through the United India Insurance Company Ltd a Public Sector Insurance Company headquartered at (Chennai).

The scheme provides coverage for meeting all expenses relating to hospitalization of beneficiary as defined in the Scope of the Scheme. It seeks to provide cashless hospitalization facility for certain specified ailments/ procedures. It provides coverage up to Rs.5, 00, 000/- per family per year on a floater basis for the ailments and procedures covered under the scheme.

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