Fadnavis Orders SIT Probe Into Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Scheme Irregularities
MUMBAI – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday ordered special audits and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged irregularities in the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana. Chaired at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai, the review meeting addressed the implementation of both the state scheme and the Integrated Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, focusing on major discrepancies discovered in Nashik district.
The newly established SIT will be headed by Nashik Divisional Commissioner Praveen Gedam. The team will comprise experts from various government departments to ensure a comprehensive and thorough investigation into the suspected fraudulent activities.
The probe follows a recent inspection by the State Health Assurance Society covering the period from 2024 to 2026. The inspection identified nearly 16,000 suspected claims and surgeries across the state, with a significant concentration of around 9,500 suspected cases originating from Nashik district. In connection with these irregularities, five hospitals in Nashik have already had their empanelment cancelled.
To prevent future irregularities, Fadnavis directed that all high-value treatment claims undergo rigorous special audits, requiring each case to be verified individually. Furthermore, the Chief Minister ordered the setup of dedicated fraud prevention units in every district. These units will be integrated with advanced dashboard systems to facilitate real-time monitoring, analysis, and prompt action against any suspicious transactions.
Fadnavis stated that providing quality and transparent healthcare for poor and needy people remains the government's highest priority, and asserted that no irregularities in public health insurance schemes will be tolerated. He noted that these measures will enhance the overall transparency, accountability, and credibility of the healthcare schemes, ensuring the secure and effective delivery of benefits to beneficiaries.
