Recently, a major scam has come to light in Rajasthan involving medical professionals who allegedly facilitated fraudulent claims of silicosis to avail of government financial assistance. The health department has recommended action against 6 doctors, 6 radiographers, and 2 radiologists in Dausa district.
Scope of the Scam:
Total amount of fraud: Around Rs 90 crore
Ineligible beneficiaries: 436 people received Rs 13.08 crore
Payments stopped: Rs 77.67 crore was stopped for 2,589 people. In
Investigation findings
A team from SMS Hospital reviewed over 7,000 cases, finding that 2,589 were fraudulent. Healthy individuals allegedly used X-rays of genuine patients to pose as silicosis patients, each receiving Rs 3 lakh under the government scheme
District-wise breakdown
Dausa: Out of 2,464, 1,740 cases were fraudulent. 413 received payments.
Karauli: Out of 1,969, 291 cases were bogus. No payments were made.
Jodhpur: Out of 2,329, 531 cases were fraudulent. 18 received payments.
Pali: Out of 288, 21 cases were bogus. 5 payments were made.
Jaisalmer: Out of 32, 6 cases were fraudulent. No payments were made.
The surge in applications has led to investigations revealing irregularities in five districts.
Legal actions and outcomes
The health department has recommended action against the medical staff involved. Investigations are underway in Pali, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Karauli, legal action has been initiated.
Public response
Medical professionals have expressed shock at the scandal and stressed the need for strict action against those exploiting public health policies.
The scam highlights the weaknesses in public health schemes and the need for strong monitoring to prevent exploitation and ensure that aid reaches the genuine beneficiaries.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)