KGMU widens probe into alleged heart stent scam, reviews treatment records
KGMU
Lucknow: King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, has intensified its probe into an alleged heart stent scam, widening scrutiny of cardiac treatment records while also investigating a separate case related to alleged irregularities in cancer drug procurement.
According to officials, the Vice-Chancellor’s office has sought detailed records of all angiographies, heart surgeries, and cardiac treatments conducted over the past year. The move comes amid allegations that multiple patients were fitted with an unusually high number of stents and that government healthcare funds may have been misused under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
As the investigation gathers pace, officials said some doctors linked to the cases attempted to go on leave or leave the city. In response, the administration has cancelled all such leave requests and asked medical and technical staff to be available for questioning and document verification.
The university has also initiated suspension proceedings against certain third-party employees based on preliminary complaints, while steps are underway to blacklist a private company suspected of involvement in the alleged irregularities.
In addition, officials are collecting feedback from cardiac patients, which will be included as part of the evidence being examined. In another administrative measure, Ayushman Mitra's handling of stent-related cases under the Ayushman Bharat scheme has been removed with immediate effect and replaced by regular university staff.
A five-member inquiry committee constituted by the university has sought complete records of angioplasty procedures and stent implantations conducted over the past year. During the initial review, investigators reportedly found cases where patients were admitted multiple times and underwent repeated stent procedures, reports India Today.
The committee is examining patient files, angiography reports, angioplasty records, and payment details to determine whether proper medical protocols and administrative procedures were followed. Officials are also assessing whether documentation and patient histories were adequately maintained under Ayushman Bharat-linked treatments.
Investigators are particularly focused on determining whether the implantation of five stents in individual patients was clinically necessary and compliant with established medical standards. Independent cardiology experts may be consulted if required.
The widening investigation has also led to scrutiny of procurement patterns across the university. Officials noted that medicine purchases in some departments, which earlier reached nearly Rs 45 lakh, have fallen significantly to around Rs 10 lakh since the start of the probe.
The stent investigation is being conducted alongside another ongoing inquiry at KGMU into alleged irregularities involving expensive cancer medicines under the government’s Asadhya Yojana. In that case, three contractual staff members posted at the Urology Department’s medicine counter have been removed from duty and barred from leaving Lucknow pending investigation.
The probe was initiated after a sharp rise in monthly medicine expenditure was detected, from around Rs 10 lakh to nearly Rs 45 lakh within a few months.
Medical Dialogues had previously reported that King George's Medical University (KGMU) has suspended a pharmacist posted at the local purchase counter of its urology department and initiated criminal proceedings against him after an inquiry into alleged irregularities in medicine procurement under the Asadhya Yojana, a government-funded scheme that provides free treatment to economically weaker patients suffering from critical illnesses.
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