Rajasthan SOG Launches Probe into Crore Health Scheme Fraud After Sikar Audit
The Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Rajasthan police has initiated a comprehensive investigation into alleged large-scale irregularities within the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS). This action follows an audit report that flagged significant discrepancies amounting to crores of rupees specifically in Sikar district, raising serious concerns about systemic corruption.
FIR Registered Against Diagnostic Center and Government Doctors
On February 19, an FIR was officially registered, naming Dr Vijay & B Lal Diagnostic Center in Sikar, along with five government doctors: Dr K K Agrawal, Dr Mukesh Verma, Dr Gajraj Singh, Dr Rakesh Chaudhary, and Dr Sunil Dhaka from a government hospital in Sikar. The audit report, submitted by the Office of the Project Director of RGHS, alleges collusion between the diagnostic center and these doctors to raise inflated claims, exploiting the health scheme for financial gain.
An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: "The action followed findings in the audit report, which meticulously examined RGHS claims and beneficiary statements. Investigators have been scrutinising portal records, prescriptions, and MRI reports across multiple cases to uncover the extent of the fraud."
Audit Uncovers Multiple Discrepancies and Inflated Claims
Sources reveal that the audit highlighted several alarming irregularities. In numerous instances, claims were allegedly submitted for multiple MRI scans, while beneficiaries reported undergoing fewer tests and not consulting one of the doctors named in the FIR. This suggests fabricated medical procedures to siphon funds.
Additionally, beneficiaries were reportedly billed for additional diagnostic tests without their knowledge, artificially inflating costs. In another concerning case, claims were filed for investigations during a period when the beneficiary was admitted to a different hospital, indicating fraudulent timing of services.
Discrepancies were also noted in doctors' names and dates mentioned in MRI reports, pointing to potential forgery or manipulation of medical documents. An official elaborated: "In some cases, the slip given to the beneficiary was not returned by the diagnostic centre, nor was any bill provided, leaving beneficiaries unaware of the charges being claimed under their names."
Ongoing Investigation and Digital Analysis
SOG officials have confirmed that digital records and beneficiary statements are being thoroughly analysed to establish criminal liability. The investigation aims to trace the flow of funds and identify all parties involved in the alleged scam. Further probes are underway to determine the full scope of the irregularities and ensure accountability.
This case underscores vulnerabilities in public health schemes and highlights the need for stricter oversight to prevent such fraud, which ultimately diverts resources meant for genuine healthcare needs.
