Meerut man undergoes heart procedure using relative’s Ayushman card at Doon Hospital

Dehradun: A 37-year-old patient from Meerut allegedly underwent a coronary stenting procedure at Govt Doon Medical College Hospital using his brother-in-law’s Ayushman Bharat card. The fraud came to light at the time of his discharge on Friday. The procedure, worth Rs 1.35 lakh, had already been approved under the scheme, but the payment transaction has since been blocked and the card suspended, officials said on Saturday.

According to hospital authorities, Manjeet Singh, based in Dehradun, used his own documents and biometric authentication to secure approval for the treatment under the Ayushman scheme. However, the actual patient who underwent the coronary stenting procedure was allegedly his brother-in-law, Vicky, a resident of Meerut.

In a complaint filed with the police, the hospital stated that Singh completed biometric verification on May 26. On Friday, he arrived at the Ayushman mitra counter with the patient’s discharge file. He was asked to provide a photograph of the patient in the hospital bed, a requirement for post-authorisation under the scheme. However, Singh allegedly left the counter without furnishing the photograph.

“Growing suspicious, the Ayushman mitra visited the cardiology ward and found that no patient matching the records was present. The official then showed Singh’s Aadhaar card to a nursing officer, who stated that the person in the document was not the patient admitted in the ward. CCTV footage was subsequently examined, which allegedly confirmed that another individual had received treatment using Singh’s Ayushman credentials,” the complaint further stated.

Hospital officials said Singh returned on Saturday seeking the return of his Aadhaar card. When asked to come inside for verification, he allegedly attempted to leave. Security personnel stopped him and brought him to the Ayushman counter for questioning, where he “admitted his mistake and offered to pay for the treatment.”

“After the fraud came to light, Singh complained of chest pain and is currently undergoing medical tests. Vicky also returned to the hospital, claiming he was feeling weak, and has been admitted to the cardiac care unit. We are closely monitoring both of them while gathering evidence,” said Dr NS Bisht, a physician at the hospital.

Dr Saroj Naithani, claims director, said, “The hospital would also investigate how the fraudulent claim cleared the verification process despite mandatory biometric authentication.” Officials added that possible insider involvement is also being examined.

Police at Kotwali police station confirmed receipt of the complaint. “We are examining the complaint and will take appropriate legal action after completing the inquiry,” said SHO Hari Om Raj Chauhan.

(With inputs from Kalyan Das)