NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has removed 19 hospitals of Delhi NCR from the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) panel on charges of serious fraud.
The action came after these hospitals were found indulged into fraudulent practices by raising forged bills and inflating the prices of the treatment they covered.
An official order has been issued in which strict action has been taken against these hospitals.
"With reference to the above-mentioned matter, the undersigned is directed to draw attention to the Office Memorandum No. 5-11045/36/2012-CGHS (HEC), dated 01.10.2014 and OM No. S-11011/09/2022/CGHS (HEC), dated 13.09.2022 vide which the following Health Care Organizations (HCOs) were empanelled under CGHS Delhi/NCR and to state that these HCOs were found indulging in fraudulent activities by raising fake & forged Bills, admitting beneficiaries with their family members simultaneously multiple times and periodically," the order issued by the CGHS headquarters read.
"The matter was viewed very seriously by the Competent Authority and it has been decided to suspend the Empanelment of 19 HCOs with immediate effect till further orders," it added.
Taking the matter seriously, the ministry said that such fraud practices will not be tolerated and strict action will be taken if such instances are repeated at other healthcare centres empanelled under the CGHS.
After the de-empanelment, these hospitals will not be able to serve CGHS beneficiaries which comprise government servants working under the central government, retired employees, MPs, sitting and retired judges of Supreme Court and High Courts and Delhi Police personnel.
However, the ministry confirmed that CGHS beneficiaries already admitted to these hospitals before the de-empanelment order issued will continue to receive services under the CGHS rates till the completion of their treatment.
Their bills will have to be submitted to the National Health Authority for review, it said.