Ayushman card scam: PGI faces scrutiny over ignored fraud complaints

Chandigarh: PGI, which faced a scandal involving a multi-crore fraud with forged Ayushman Bharat cards and the misuse of funds, is ignoring such complaints since the past year. This was revealed after an RTI by Ashwani Munjal, chairman of the joint action committee, PGI, disclosed details about multiple complaints that were ignored, allowing the scam to grow unchecked.
The RTI documents show a series of warnings that went unnoticed. In all, seven separate complaints were made about missing indent books — vital records used to track medical supplies — from various departments. In 2024, four complaints were made about the same issue, while three such complaints were lodged this year. These missing books were eventually traced back to the Ayushman Cell. Despite these repeated complaints, no action was taken by PGI's administration.
The fraud, which reportedly was going on since 2021, came to light only after some arrests were made recently. The suspects were found with fake doctor stamps and missing indent books at AMRIT pharmacy.
Munjal, who filed the RTI and was trying to uncover the truth, claims he was blocked from entering PGI on Feb 5, 2024. "I have been banned from entering the institute and to inspect the files of the RTI regarding this issue, I have been asked to come to the PGI. This is a tactic to deny me information," he said.
The Chandigarh Police filed an FIR on Feb 19, 2024, and launched an investigation into the Ayushman Cell. As per the RTI, the medical superintendent's office informed that all such letters are forwarded to the chief security officer, the store officer, and the patient care manager to inform AMRIT and other officials for necessary action. "However, none of them are authorised to take any action against the culprits and thus they continued the scam," said an official in the PGI.
Central Cell
In response to the ongoing fraud investigation, the PGI has set up a dedicated Central Cell to meticulously verify all bills submitted by AMRIT Pharmacy. The initiative aims to ensure that the quantities of drugs and consumables listed in patient indents match the billed amounts, with particular attention to accuracy in total bill sums. The PGI plans to start online indenting with the upgradation of the hospital information system.