ED Conducts Raids in 19 Locations Linked to Fake Ayushman Bharat ID Cards

The ED's probe focuses on the alleged creation of fake AB-PMJAY cards by entities such as Shri Banke Bihari Hospital in Una and others.

On Wednesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 19 locations, including the premises of Himachal Pradesh Congress MLA RS Bali and a close associate of the state's Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

The investigation is related to the alleged creation of fake Ayushman Bharat ID cards and violations of the scheme by various hospitals, according to officials.

The searches took place in Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, and several districts in Himachal Pradesh, including Kangra, Una, Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu.

The case, linked to prominent figures and institutions, was triggered by an FIR filed by the state vigilance and anti-corruption bureau in January 2023.

The ED has identified several hospitals and individuals implicated in the fraudulent activities, including Rajesh Sharma, a close associate of Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Rajesh Sharma, associated with Shree Balaji Hospital, has emerged as a central figure in the investigation.

Notably, Sharma has close ties with CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and was involved in the recent Dehra assembly by-election, stepping aside to allow the CM's wife, Kamlesh Thakur, to contest and subsequently win.

Another significant figure is RS Bali, a Congress MLA and chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, whose Fortis Hospital in Kangra is also under scrutiny.

Details of the Fraudulent Activities

The ED's probe focuses on the alleged creation of fake AB-PMJAY cards by entities such as Shri Banke Bihari Hospital in Una and others. Misusing these fake cards led to the issuance of fraudulent medical bills, causing financial losses to the government and the public.

According to the ED, 373 fake Ayushman cards were identified, with claims amounting to approximately INR 40.68 Lakh.

The investigation revealed that some individuals listed as beneficiaries, such as Rajnish Kumar and Pooja Dhiman, were unaware of the existence of these cards and had not received any treatments claimed under their names.

In addition to fake card claims, the ED found instances where hospitals falsely reported treatments, surgeries, and admissions that were never provided.

For example, Raksha Devi was denied hospital admission, yet a package was dishonestly claimed under her name.

These hospitals, including Shree Balaji Hospital and Fortis Hospital, were subsequently de-empanelled from the Ayushman Bharat scheme due to illegal practices and non-compliance with the scheme's procedures.

Financial & Legal Implications

The ED's investigation has so far uncovered a potential fraud involving approximately INR 25 Cr. The agency noted that around 8,937 Ayushman Bharat golden cards have been scrapped in Himachal Pradesh due to violations of the AB-PMJAY scheme.

The ongoing investigation highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability in the implementation of government healthcare schemes.

The involvement of prominent figures and institutions in this scandal underscores the widespread nature of the problem and the challenges in ensuring the integrity of public health initiatives.