State Health Department Cracks Down on Unnecessary Angioplasty Procedures under Ayushman Bharat Scheme
Gandhinagar: In wake of a recent incident at Khyati Multispecialty Hospital, where two patients died after undergoing unnecessary angioplasty procedures, the state health department has announced plans to conduct unannounced inspections at all private hospitals registered under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme.
The health department's decision comes as a response to ensuring proper medical practices and protecting patient interests. These surprise checks will focus on verifying medical procedures, documentation, and patient care protocols in PM-JAY empanelled hospitals.
The state govt has established a dedicated monitoring committee to oversee these inspections, which will review surgery proposals, track patient outcomes, and investigate complaints. A database of all procedures performed under PM-JAY at each hospital will also be maintained.
Medical facilities found violating protocols or conducting unnecessary procedures will face severe penalties, including immediate suspension from the scheme. Hospital administrators and doctors will also face stricter accountability measures to ensure they prioritize patient safety over financial gain.
To address concerns about treatment quality or suspicious practices, a grievance redressal system has been set up, allowing patients to report any concerns. Additionally, awareness programmes will be created to educate beneficiaries about their rights under PM-JAY.
The new guidelines mandate thorough pre-surgery verification processes, requiring hospitals to submit detailed reports justifying the need for each planned surgery along with diagnostic test results and specialist opinions. Emergency procedures have been exempted from this requirement ensuring timely medical intervention.
To prevent misuse of the scheme, the state govt is conducting training sessions for hospital staff on PM-JAY guidelines and ethical medical practices. Regular audits of hospital records and treatment outcomes will maintain transparency in the system.
The decision comes as a strong warning to healthcare providers in the state, who must ensure that they adhere to high standards of patient care while protecting their financial interests. The govt's emphasis is clear - those compromising patient safety will face severe penalties, ensuring quality healthcare delivery under PM-JAY.