RGHS fraud row: SK Hospital protest enters third day, OPD services hit
Jaipur: Protests at SK Hospital, Sikar, have entered their third consecutive day following the arrest of a doctor and private lab operator by the Special Operations Group (SOG) in connection with alleged fraud under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS), severely affecting outpatient services at the hospital.
Medical Dialogues yesterday reported that a multi-crore fraud had been uncovered in the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS), in which a doctor and a private lab operator allegedly colluded to create fake prescriptions and diagnostic reports to claim reimbursements from the state government. Two accused have been arrested in connection with the case.
Also Read:Multi-crore fraud in Rajasthan health scheme: Doctor, lab operator arrested
As part of the protest, senior doctors staged a sit-in demonstration and boycotted outpatient department (OPD) services for the second consecutive day. However, to ensure continuity of patient care, resident doctors and interns have been managing OPD duties and attending to general patients.
Despite the protest, hospital authorities confirmed that indoor services and emergency operations are continuing, though under considerable strain due to reduced staffing.
According to the news reports, the protest has received backing from multiple medical associations, including the Indian Medical Association, Private Hospitals Association, ARISDA, RMCT, and Upchar groups.
Doctors participating in the protest allege that the detained medical professionals were treated harshly despite cooperating with the investigation. Speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, Dr. Kavita Chaudhary, who was sitting on the protest, said that the doctor was cooperating with the investigation, but he was picked up like a criminal. When it comes to service during the COVID-19 pandemic, he is respected. When it comes to their self-respect, they are treated like hardcore criminals. The protest will continue until the accused doctor and lab operator are released.
Dr. Mahendra Budania warned that the movement could expand beyond Sikar, with doctors across Rajasthan preparing to join the protest. He argued that penal action against doctors for alleged shortcomings in government health schemes is unjust and unconstitutional.
He further stated that if both of them are not released, a statewide boycott of medical services may be initiated, potentially involving both private and government healthcare practitioners.
The protesting doctors have demanded immediate talks with government representatives and a clear resolution of their demands.
Also Read:Rajasthan doctors, hospitals oppose move to shift RGHS into insurance model
