Khyati Hospital PMJAY Scam: 112 Patient died in 3 years 

Ahmedabad : Ahmedabad’s Khyati Multispecialty Hospital is at the center of a massive healthcare scandal, with the death of 112 patients under scrutiny. The alarming statistic emerged during the Ahmedabad Crime Branch investigation into alleged irregularities under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).

Dr. Sanjay Patoliya, the hospital’s founder, was arrested on December 4 in connection with the scam. Following his detention, he was presented in the Ahmedabad Rural Court, where his 10-day remand was approved until December 12. Investigators revealed that the hospital treated 8,534 patients over three years, of which 3,842 were covered under the PM-JAY scheme. Tragically, a majority of the 112 fatalities occurred among these government-funded patients.

Details of the Investigation

Ahmedabad Crime Branch ACP Bharat Patel confirmed the arrest of six accused in connection with the scam, while two suspects remain at large. The investigation also uncovered significant financial discrepancies, including a report highlighting a loss of ₹1.5 crore in hospital funds.

The scandal first came to light following the deaths of two patients on November 12, prompting a complaint against eight individuals. The Crime Branch has since been examining documentation, interviewing health department officials, and analyzing the involvement of third-party agencies such as Bajaj Allianz, which facilitated the PM-JAY scheme for the hospital.

Systemic Lapses in PM-JAY Operations

Preliminary findings suggest systemic lapses in the PM-JAY approval process. A dedicated team of 10 doctors overseeing the scheme was found to approve up to 100 patient files per day, allotting only five minutes per case. Investigators are probing whether this expedited process compromised the quality of patient care and contributed to the fatalities.

The investigation has also highlighted unusual patterns, with a spike in emergency cases on Mondays. It was revealed that patients often visited the hospital on Sundays, with surgeries predominantly scheduled for Mondays. Authorities are examining whether files were disproportionately cleared on Mondays and identifying specific doctors involved in these approvals.

Financial Mismanagement and Future Probes

Khyati Hospital reportedly received ₹15 crore under the PM-JAY scheme. Authorities are now focusing on whether fraudulent practices enabled these payouts. Questions are being raised about the involvement of health department officials and whether any doctors were directly complicit in the scheme.

Ongoing Efforts and Broader Implications

The case raises concerns about the accountability mechanisms within the PM-JAY scheme, a flagship initiative aimed at providing affordable healthcare to the underprivileged. The Ahmedabad Crime Branch is also investigating whether similar irregularities have occurred at other hospitals in Gujarat.