How Khyati Hospital used health camps to convince patients, including a teen, to unnecessary angioplasty, ET HealthWorld
New Delhi: Authorities investigating Ahmedabad-based Khyati Hospital have uncovered alarming practices, including unnecessary angioplasty procedures performed under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Among the cases is an 18-year-old who underwent angioplasty after a basic check-up at a health camp, suggesting a pattern of exploitation for unlawful financial benefits, a TOI report stated.
Senior police officials revealed the modus operandi involved screening patients at rural medical camps, diagnosing them with arterial blockages, and convincing them to undergo angioplasty at the hospital. “We have learned that the accused performed angioplasty on very young patients, including an 18-year-old. We are yet to receive documents from PM-JAY officers under which the medical procedure was conducted. We will be able to identify all the patients once we have the documents,” said a senior crime branch officer.
Link to Suspicious Deaths
The investigation, prompted by the deaths of two patients from Mehsana’s Borisana village on November 11, has uncovered four more deaths linked to allegedly unnecessary angioplasty procedures, raising the death toll to nine. Police say three of the additional cases, dating back 18 months, involved patients from Kadi who were informed of arterial blockages at health camps but may not have required the procedure.
Arrests and Legal Action
On November 13, police registered three First Information Reports (FIRs) against hospital officials, including founder Kartik Patel, director Dr. Sanjay Patolia, cardiologist Dr. Prashant Vajirani, and others. The accused face charges of conspiracy, fraudulent misuse of PM-JAY funds, and culpable homicide.
Five suspects, including marketing director Chirag Rajput, CEO Rahul Jain, and associates Milind Patel, Pankil Patel, and Pratik Bhatt, were apprehended from Kheda district on Monday. Police allege these individuals organized health camps and persuaded villagers to undergo unnecessary medical procedures.
A local court has remanded the five in police custody for three days as investigations continue. Authorities are working to obtain relevant documentation from PM-JAY officers to identify all affected patients and determine the extent of the alleged fraud.
Government Scheme Exploited
PM-JAY, a flagship health initiative, provides financial assistance for medical treatments to economically disadvantaged citizens. The case highlights potential vulnerabilities in the scheme, with investigators alleging the hospital conspired to exploit its provisions for financial gain at the expense of patients’ well-being.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are verifying the details of all cases linked to Khyati Hospital.
