BJP vice-president alleges Ayushman Bharat card scam in Meerut

MEERUT: Rajya Sabha MP and BJP national vice-president Laxmikant Bajpai, has written to the Meerut district magistrate (DM) on June 20, alleging widespread corruption in the Ayushman card scheme. Despite the district administration being aware of the issue for more than a year, no action has been taken, according to Bajpai, who spoke to TOI on Sunday.

Bajpai said, "Multiple illegal nursing homes have been constructed in Meerut where offenders contact Ayushman card owners, lure them with money, and ask for their card numbers.

They then show these owners as admitted to fictitious medical facilities and claim hefty sums from govt with high-cost treatment bills."

The MP further explained that the amount is split between the 'patient' and the 'doctor' in a 60-40 ratio. Although the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Akhilesh Mohan, removed a clerk who verified the cases after Bajpai brought the matter to light, no FIR was filed against the clerk, indicating the local authorities' intentions. The CMO also provided a list of 36 hospitals operating without complete documentation.

Bajpai said, "I have furnished a pen drive containing ample evidence to the Meerut DM. I am looking into how these cards were made and who approved the verifications."

Meanwhile CMO Mohan informed TOI that “The matter was handed over to the crime branch and it is investigating. The medical department is also conducting a probe.”

DM Deepak Meenam said “We received a complaint, and an inquiry committee has been set up. Action will be taken accordingly after the findings.”

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