Ludhiana Hospitals Under Fire: State Health Agency Uncovers Shocking Ayushman Bharat Irregularities

Ludhiana witnessed a dramatic development in healthcare oversight recently as the State Health Agency (SHA) launched a series of unannounced inspections, putting two prominent private hospitals under the microscope. The mission? To scrutinize their adherence to the critical Ayushman Bharat-Mukh Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (AB-MMSBY), a flagship health scheme designed to provide accessible medical care to millions.

The spotlight first fell on Lifeline Hospital, where inspectors unearthed a disturbing array of irregularities.

Far from the seamless operation expected under such a vital scheme, the hospital reportedly lacked essential infrastructure, including a functional biometric authentication device—a cornerstone for verifying patient identity and preventing misuse. Further concerning lapses included the absence of registered Ayushman Mitras and other key staff, whose roles are crucial for guiding beneficiaries through the scheme's processes.

Records, too, were a tangled mess, with inappropriate entries regarding patient admissions and discharges, and a glaring lack of documentation for services rendered under the AB-MMSBY.

Perhaps most gravely, the inspection team uncovered "big irregularities" concerning patients who tragically passed away during treatment, raising serious questions about the hospital's protocols and accountability.

The report also pointed to instances where critical patients were not referred to higher, specialized centers, potentially compromising their chances of recovery. Adding to the list of concerns were cases of patients admitted from outside, bypassing standard emergency or OPD procedures, suggesting a fundamental breakdown in record management and scheme compliance.

In stark contrast, the inspection at Satguru Partap Singh (SPS) Apollo Hospital yielded a more reassuring outcome.

Here, no major irregularities were identified concerning biometric authentication or the patient admission process. The hospital maintained a proper complement of staff, including dedicated Ayushman Mitras, ensuring that beneficiaries received the necessary assistance. Furthermore, the management promptly submitted a detailed report addressing previous complaints, demonstrating a proactive approach to compliance.

While generally satisfactory, the inspection team did issue instructions for SPS Apollo to meticulously update their records, prominently display helpline numbers, and strictly adhere to all scheme guidelines, reinforcing the high standards expected.

Following the thorough scrutiny, the SHA swiftly issued a show-cause notice to Lifeline Hospital, demanding an explanation for the widespread discrepancies.

The detailed inquiry report is now destined for the desk of the SHA CEO, promising further decisive action. Dr. Balwinder Singh, the district coordinator for AB-MMSBY, underscored the agency's unwavering commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the scheme truly reach those in need, without any compromise on quality or integrity.

These surprise inspections are not isolated incidents but rather a powerful testament to the ongoing campaign by the State Health Agency.

Their objective is clear: to stamp out any misuse or mismanagement within the AB-MMSBY, safeguarding the health and trust of beneficiaries across Punjab. It’s a clear message to all private healthcare providers: strict adherence to regulations is not optional, but imperative for public welfare.