Ethics On Life Support: 5 Gujarat Hospitals De-listed From PMJAY

Ayushman Bharat scheme aims to address the healthcare system (covering prevention, promotion, and ambulatory care) at all levels, primary, secondary, and tertiary, under

·       Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)

·       Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY provides health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family. It covers 12 crore poor families (approximately 55 crore beneficiaries) at the bottom 40% of the Indian population.

Dr. Hiren Patel of Heer Hospital was guilty of changing 91 lab reports to gain benefits under the scheme and was suspended from PMJAY empanelment.

A fine of 50 lakh rupees and suspension notice was served to Health Spring Pathology Laboratory.

Niskha Children's Hospital and Neonatal Care had 60 medical reports changed to benefit under the central scheme. Doctor Divyesh Shah too was suspended from PMJAY. The hospital was fined 15 lakh.

Sonal Hospital lacked the required manpower and infrastructure under the scheme and their infection control was not up to the mark. This caused the medical center to be de-empanelled under PMJAY.

Sentora Hospital was penalized for

• No building Use (BU) permission for using fourth and fifth floors.

• Lack of proper staff and a modular operation theatre.

• Expired medicines were recovered from the hospital premises.

Shree Jalaram Hospital lacked

• Fire safety certificate

• Intensive care unit (ICU) as prescribed

Khyati Multispecialty Hospital (Ahmedabad), a private hospital's management, and doctors were involved in the scam. The incidence came to light after two healthy people died following angioplasty, a procedure used to open blocked coronary arteries in heart patients.

There were seven angioplasties performed in November two had resulted in loss of lives. The families of these two patients had lodged complaints.

Ahmedabad crime branch has arrested seven persons, CEO and director of marketing, after the death of two beneficiaries following botched angioplasty procedures.

What convinced the cardholders of PMJAY

• Free check-up camps conducted by the hospital.

• Cashless scheme

The "emergency" registration category was used to expedite government approvals.

Vastrapur police on November 12, registered FIRs over the death of PMJAY beneficiaries and arrested cardiologist, Dr Prashant Vazirani.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Swati Sharma/MSM)