Lucknow: The State Agency for Comprehensive Health and Integrated Services (SACHIS) on Tuesday inspected 21 private hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in Lucknow and Gonda, uncovering alleged overcharging, manipulation of treatment packages and deficiencies in medical facilities.SACHIS CEO Archana Verma said six hospitals in Lucknow and 15 in Gonda were inspected. The teams scrutinised hospital records, interacted with patients and reviewed available medical facilities.In Lucknow, inspectors found instances in which patients with routine ailments were allegedly shown as admitted to ICUs and high-dependency units to claim higher reimbursements.The teams also received complaints that some hospitals were charging patients and their attendants despite the scheme providing cashless treatment.Other irregularities included discrepancies in duty rosters, absence of specialist doctors and a shortage of trained staff to manage critically ill patients.In Gonda, inspectors flagged deficiencies in displaying mandatory information related to the scheme, including helpline numbers and grievance redressal contacts. Lapses were also found in biomedical waste management and infection-control measures.One hospital was found to be operating without a pathology laboratory or a tie-up with an accredited lab, while another was running an operation theatre and an ICU in its basement.The teams also received complaints regarding the use of substandard implants under the state employees’ cashless medical scheme.Verma said the agency had initiated the process of issuing show-cause notices to the hospitals concerned. Their replies would be examined before a decision is taken on penalties, recovery of financial losses, cancellation of empanelment or legal action, depending on the findings.
