Vishal Rana

In a sweeping investigation into the Ayushman Bharat fraud involving fake cards, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a thorough audit of private hospitals across several states. The agency is meticulously scrutinizing the balance sheets and bank accounts of these hospitals, cross-verifying the details with records from the health department.

The investigation began with a private hospital in Una, Himachal Pradesh, where irregularities in the use of fake Ayushman cards first surfaced. As the probe deepened, it revealed a sprawling network of fraud that extended to other private hospitals across the state. According to ED’s findings so far, the fraud involves illicit gains amounting to approximately ₹25 crore.

Last Wednesday, ED officials conducted a series of raids across 20 locations in Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, and various districts in Himachal Pradesh, including Kangra, Una, Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu. The raids resulted in the seizure of ₹88 lakh in cash, four bank lockers, and 140 related bank accounts. Additionally, the ED confiscated 16 digital devices, including mobile phones, iPads, hard drives, and pen drives, along with other documents related to immovable and movable properties, account books, and health schemes.

The ED is currently analyzing the seized devices and financial records. They have also requested records from the health department concerning private hospitals involved in the scheme. During the raids, several documents related to health schemes were also seized, which could be pivotal in unraveling the full extent of the fraud. The agency is expected to interrogate those involved, leading to potentially significant revelations about the use of fake Ayushman cards.

After Ayushman, Himcare Records to be Probed
Following the Ayushman Bharat investigation, the ED is set to examine records related to the Himcare scheme. The ongoing probe into the fraudulent activities linked to fake Ayushman cards is likely to uncover further critical details, including the extent of illegal assets accumulated by the accused. As the investigation continues, the spotlight will also turn to the Himcare scheme, where the ED will scrutinize records to ensure that similar fraudulent activities are not taking place.

The ED’s crackdown on the Ayushman Bharat fraud marks a significant step in addressing widespread corruption within the healthcare system. By holding private hospitals accountable and unearthing the depths of the fraud, the investigation not only seeks to recover lost funds but also aims to restore faith in government health schemes. The impending probe into the Himcare scheme suggests that the ED’s vigilance will extend beyond just one scheme, ensuring that healthcare fraud is systematically dismantled.