Gujarat Congress President Shaktisinh Gohil has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged scam at Khyati Multispeciality Hospital in Ahmedabad.
The controversy revolves around the hospital’s reported manipulation of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme, luring vulnerable patients from rural areas into undergoing unnecessary medical procedures.
Speaking during the Zero Hour in the ongoing winter session of Parliament, Gohil said that the hospital organised free medical camps in villages to attract poor patients, including those who did not need treatment, under the guise of providing medical care. The patients were then allegedly subjected to angiographies and angioplasties that were not medically required, with the hospital claiming reimbursements under the PM-JAY scheme.
“Under a well-planned conspiracy, poor patients were falsely diagnosed with heart issues and pressured into undergoing unnecessary procedures at Khyati Hospital. Tragically, two patients lost their lives following the procedures and several others have been admitted to the ICU with serious complications,” he claimed.
The incident gained public attention after two villagers, Mahesh Barot (52) and Nagar Senma (72) from Borisana village in Kadi Taluka, died following angioplasty procedures at Khyati Hospital on November 11.
Further investigation revealed that the hospital had been conducting similar procedures on patients from neighbouring areas, including Kadi, where three other deaths were reported over the past 18 months.
The state government-appointed committee has corroborated the allegations, confirming that the hospital had systematically exploited the PM-JAY scheme at the expense of vulnerable patients.
“The lives of the poor were being played with,” Gohil added, urging for immediate intervention to prevent such frauds in the future.
Earlier, Gohil told Vibes of India that the massive scam at Khyati Hospital could not be executed without the involvement of local police officials and “those sitting in the government.”
Crime Branch’s Probe
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has since launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of eight individuals, including CEOs Chirag Rajput and Rahul Jain.
Milind Patel, Pankil Patel and Pratik Bhatt, associates of the hospital, were also arrested for their roles in coordinating and organising the fraudulent medical camps.
According to the police, Milind Patel worked with general practitioners in Ahmedabad and surrounding districts to refer patients to the hospital, while Pankil Patel and Pratik Bhatt played key roles in convincing patients to undergo unnecessary procedures.
Following the deaths of Barot and Senma, three FIRs were filed on November 13, implicating several hospital officials, including Dr Prashant Vazirani, Promoters Dr Sanjay Patolia and Rajshree Kothari, Director Kartik Patel and CEO Chirag Rajput.
The charges include criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. The police are also investigating the involvement of PM-JAY officials in approving fraudulent claims.
A search was conducted at Chirag Rajput’s residence and authorities are scrutinising the hospital’s financial records. It is believed that Khyati Hospital earned over Rs 22 crore by conducting unnecessary angioplasties, with funds provided by the PM-JAY scheme.
Absconding Boss
Kartik Patel, owner of Khyati Hospital and the prime suspect in the case, is reportedly absconding and reported to be fled from the country.
According to senior police officers, Patel travelled to Australia on November 3 and subsequently fled to Dubai. The police have enlisted a chartered accountant to assist in reviewing the hospital’s financial transactions and uncover any further fraudulent activities.
Also Read: Gujarat: Khyati Hospital Owner Flees to Dubai, Say Cops
