Ahmedabad-based Khyati Multispeciality Hospital has now been debarred from the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) after a state government investigation revealed alleged malpractice linked to the deaths of two patients due to “unwarranted” angioplasty surgeries.
State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel ordered an investigation shortly after the incident, as the two patients were covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme.
On Tuesday, family members and locals stormed the hospital, alleging that “doctors did not take any consent from family members before performing angiography and angioplasty surgeries on the patients.”
The inquiry found that Khyati Hospital conducted unauthorised angioplasties on seven patients, with inadequate post-surgery care reportedly leading to two deaths.
Principal Secretary (Health) Dhananjay Dwivedi on Wednesday addressed the issue in a press briefing, expressing concerns over the hospital’s practices. “The hospital organised a medical camp in an improper manner,” he said.
The investigation concluded that several angioplasty procedures were carried out without medical justification, putting patients’ lives at considerable risk.
“Seven people underwent angioplasty, but a review confirmed that these procedures were unnecessary. Some patients had no blockages at all, yet records falsely indicated up to 90% blockage,” Dwivedi said.
In light of these findings, the state government removed Khyati Hospital from the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme. As a result, the hospital is no longer eligible to provide treatments under the scheme, which aims to support healthcare for economically disadvantaged individuals.
“There has been no prior incident like this at Khyati Hospital, but such practices are unacceptable,” Dwivedi concluded. “We will take every measure to ensure the safety of our citizens and uphold the integrity of healthcare.”
Earlier, state Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil and Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani linked the deaths to government neglect, claiming that the government did not take any action against the same hospital where a patient had died in 2022 after a stent was placed in his body.
Dwivedi highlighted that emergency cases at Khyati Hospital received rapid pre-authorisation, with approvals given within just three hours.
“Our investigation revealed that pre-authorisation for these cases was granted at a fast pace through a computerised system. Emergency cases including angioplasty surgery receive fast authorisation,” he noted.
The doctors involved will be investigated thoroughly and they are now barred from participating in any future PM-JAY procedures.
“The doctors and the hospital owners will face scrutiny for their actions,” Dwivedi affirmed. “Their licences for PM-JAY procedures have been cancelled and we have instructed the Gujarat Medical Council (GMC) to take appropriate disciplinary action.”
Authorities have registered a case under Sections 105, 336, and 361 of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).
Khyati Hospital reportedly received Rs 3.66 crore from the government through PM-JAY over the last six months, adding a financial aspect to the alleged medical malpractice.
To ensure patient safety, the state government has ordered that all cardiology cases treated by Khyati Hospital be re-evaluated at UN Mehta Hospital.
“All patients who underwent procedures at Khyati Hospital will be re-examined,” Dwivedi announced.
Additionally, the government has cited the Clinical Establishment Act to tighten monitoring on hospitals participating in the PM-JAY scheme.
“There has been no prior incident like this at Khyati Hospital, but such practices are unacceptable,” Dwivedi concluded. “We will take every measure to ensure the safety of our citizens and uphold the integrity of healthcare.”
Also Read: ‘Govt Did Not Act’: Oppn Slams BJP Over Deaths at Khyati Hospital in Ahmedabad
