A private hospital in Gangavathi has been forced to return Rs 16,000 it illegally collected from a patient, an ASHA worker, in a glaring case of corruption under the government's flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme. The refund came only after a persistent year-long battle and direct intervention by the Koppal district authorities.
The Deception and the Struggle for Justice
The victim, Lalita, an ASHA worker, was admitted to Mallikarjun Multi-Speciality Hospital in Gangavathi in September 2024 for kidney stone surgery. At the time of admission, the hospital staff demanded and collected Rs 5,000 from her. They later took another Rs 6,000 for medicines and a further Rs 5,000 for an alleged outstanding bill, totalling Rs 16,000. Critically, no official receipt was provided for any of these payments.
Lalita discovered the fraud only after she received a message from the health department confirming that the government would cover the entire cost of her surgery under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. When she approached the hospital management for a refund, they flatly refused. Left with no choice, she filed a formal complaint with the Koppal Deputy Commissioner in October 2024.
DC's Intervention Breaks the Hospital's Denial
For months, the case saw little progress. During multiple hearings, the staff of Mallikarjun Multispeciality Hospital repeatedly denied having received any money from Lalita. The stalemate broke when the new Deputy Commissioner, Suresh B Itnal, took charge of the case. Lalita brought the matter to his attention, and he summoned the hospital staff and the attending surgeon for questioning.
Even then, the hospital representatives continued to deny the charges. Unconvinced and unhappy with their responses, DC Itnal directed the police to register a case against them and initiate a formal investigation. This decisive action finally prompted a change.
Confession and Refund After Police Threat
Alarmed by the prospect of a police case and investigation, the hospital staff confessed that they had, in fact, taken the Rs 16,000 from the ASHA worker. Following the DC's firm orders, the hospital management issued a cheque for the full amount of Rs 16,000 to Lalita on November 28, 2025.
"Following the DC's order, the hospital issued a cheque for Rs 16,000 on Nov 28, 2025," Lalita confirmed. District Health Officer Dr. Prakash H stated that since the accused had admitted their mistake and refunded the money, the DC had warned them against repeating such acts. Consequently, the case was closed with all details duly recorded.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities that persist in the implementation of public health schemes and underscores the critical role of vigilant citizens and proactive administration in combating corruption.
