Shimla, August 03: In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has widened the scope of its probe into fraudulent activities linked to health schemes in Himachal Pradesh, targeting the HIMCARE scheme after uncovering irregularities in the Ayushman scheme. During the recent raids, the ED seized claims and documents related to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, HIMCARE and other health schemes, exposing widespread financial mismanagement.
Before the ED raids at private hospitals in the state, the Himachal Pradesh government had excluded private hospitals from the HIMCARE scheme during a recent cabinet meeting. The move has been taken in response to growing evidence of fraudulent activities and discrepancies in the claims submitted by these hospitals.
From 2018 to 2024, 2,54,900 patients were treated in Himachal Pradesh under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, on which a total of Rs 322.16 crore was spent, which includes Rs 105.93 crore from the state government and Rs 216.23 crore from the Center. At the same time, 764,707 patients were treated under the Chief Minister Himcare Health Service Scheme, on which Rs 987.79 crore was spent. Despite such a huge expenditure, a liability of Rs 370 crore remains on the hospitals.
Crucial documents and digital evidence seized-
The ED investigation into the Ayushman scheme has revealed criminal proceeds of about Rs 25 crore. On Wednesday, the ED conducted raids at 19 locations including Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra, Una, Shimla, Mandi and Kullu districts. The raids resulted in the seizure of cash, bank lockers and information related to 140 bank accounts.
During the recent raids, the ED seized immovable and movable properties, books of accounts and other documents. Besides, 16 digital devices including mobile phones, iPads, hard disks and pen drives were seized. These devices contained crucial information about claims and transactions related to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Himcare and other health schemes.
The seized documents revealed suspicious transactions worth Rs 21 crore involving claims of 23,000 patients. The investigation revealed significant discrepancies between the claims submitted to the government and the actual figures recorded in the hospital files. In addition, the ED found that several files related to patient claims had mysteriously disappeared.
The ED’s ongoing investigation continues to uncover widespread fraudulent activities within health schemes. Discrepancies and irregularities in the claims process have raised serious concerns about the integrity of these programs. As the ED intensifies its investigation, pressure is mounting on the state government and the health department to implement strict monitoring and accountability measures to prevent further misuse of public funds.
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