Major Probe Ordered Against GMC Anantnag Cardiologist Over Alleged PMJAY-SEHAT Fraud, Irregular Pacemaker Procedures

Srinagar, June 20 : In one of the most serious healthcare fraud investigations in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years, the Health and Medical Education (HME) Department has initiated major departmental proceedings against a cardiologist posted at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag over allegations of procedural irregularities, fraudulent insurance claims, manipulation of medical records, patient exploitation, and violations of procurement norms.

According to official documents, the doctor has been served with multiple Articles of Charge under the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, and directed to submit a written defence within seven days, failing which ex parte proceedings may be initiated.

The inquiry centres on an alleged pacemaker implantation scam involving 103 cardiac cases booked under the “Dual Chamber Pacemaker Implantation” package under the PMJAY-SEHAT scheme. Investigators allege that while patients underwent Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP), official records reflected a different procedure category, raising concerns of misrepresentation and improper insurance claims.

An expert audit reportedly found that 27 of 55 reviewed LBBAP cases involved patients with normal heart function and without established clinical indications for the procedure. The committee concluded that nearly half of the cases examined did not conform to accepted medical guidelines, leading to the rejection of several related claims.

The chargesheet also cites allegations of patient exploitation, including a case in which a PMJAY-SEHAT beneficiary was allegedly made to pay ₹70,000 to a private vendor despite being entitled to cashless treatment under the government scheme. Investigators further allege that approved procurement channels for medical implants were bypassed and that certain records were unavailable during the anti-fraud investigation.

The HME Department has described the allegations as grave, stating that, if proved, they would amount to serious professional misconduct, abuse of official position, lack of integrity, dereliction of duty, and breach of public trust. Documentary evidence, including Transaction Management System logs, Cath Lab records, patient files, invoices, procurement documents, audit reports, and findings of the State Anti-Fraud Unit, has reportedly been included in the proceedings.

The case has triggered widespread public concern, with many citizens calling for a fair and transparent investigation and demanding strict action, including criminal proceedings and cancellation of professional licences, if the allegations are substantiated. Authorities have emphasized that the inquiry is ongoing, and any determination of guilt will depend on the outcome of the disciplinary process and any further legal proceedings.